Thornville holds annual Fourth of July parade

THORNVILLE, Ohio – Gray skies and sprinkling couldn’t stop this year’s Thornville Fourth of July parade.

The parade kicked off at 11 a.m. on Columbus Street in the Perry County village. John Ulmer is the director of the Perry County Chamber of Commerce and was the announcer for this year’s parade. He said that weather gave them a bit of a scare this year.

“There was a lot of uncertainty if we were going to be able to have it. But weather did hold off,” said Ulmer. “We were fortunate and blessed to be able to have it. Units were down because of the uncertainty and crowds were a little down, but it’s still a day of celebration.”

Ulmer said he’s been involved with the parade for at least 30 years and that the parade has been going on for decades before he became involved with it. He said small-town parades like these are a nice reminder of what the fourth of July is all about.

“Everybody enjoys it and looks forward to it. It’s especially important to recognize the people that have served in the military. Mr. Paul Packer was our grand marshal today. He’s one of the few remaining World War II veterans we have left in the Thornville area,” said Ulmer.

Ulmer said that the village is already looking forward to next year’s parade.