Southampton parade starts with a bang of musket fire

The Southampton Fourth of July parade kicked off with shots fired from muskets by Revolutionary War reenactors. Women and girls in Colonial clothing followed closely behind carrying a patchwork-sewn American flag.

A tradition since 1920, today not only marks 106 years of Southampton civic pride, but America’s 250th birthday, which makes the parade extra special for residents.

Cutter Koster grew up in Southampton, and is now raising a family of his own here. Koster’s family owns a fish market right off the parade route.

"Seeing the amount of patriotism that's happening in this country recognizing the 250th anniversary, it really makes the crowds more excited," said Koster, 39. "It makes them bigger, and it makes everybody more fired up to participate."

Koster came to the parade with friends and his family, including his two young boys, whose favorite part of the parade is the fire trucks.

People of all ages are lined up with their lawn chairs on the sidewalks and neighboring grassy areas along the parade route. Jan Kumar has lived in Southampton for the past 28 years, and came 30 minutes before the start of the parade to find a spot on the grass for her chair.

"There are a bunch of school bands, which I love to see the kids," said Kumar, 76. "There are a lot of marching bands that are just so uplifting."

Regarding America's Semiquincentennial, Kumar has mixed feelings.

"I'm happy to celebrate the goodness in our country, but I'm very distressed about the administration and the direction it's been taking of us culturally and politically," Kumar said. "So I have mixed feelings this year."

The Southampton Fourth of July parade is rooted in more than 100 years of history, patriotism and community engagement. The cheering and chanting crowd showed no shortage of patriotism. Some in uniform honored those who have served and are now serving, while a band of bagpipes played "America the Beautiful."