Freedom Ride on July 4th continues Glenside’s Independence Day tradition

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Glenside | Local News

July 6th, 2020 | By Kevin Tierney

Glenside’s normal Fourth of July Parade had to be canceled due to the pandemic, but the spirit was kept alive with the 2020 Freedom Ride led by the Glenside and Weldon Volunteer Fire Companies with special appearances by Uncle Same and the Phillie Phanatic. Glenside has the longest-running July 4th parade in the nation having started in 1904.

Below are some videos and photos.

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The Glenside 4th of July parade is the longest running parade in the country. Although the actual parade was cancelled, the police and fire ran a makeshift parade featuring the masked Phillie Phanatic so that Glenside continued to have a consecutively run parade. While it wasn’t the same without bagpipers, dancers, motorcyclists, and an old-time organ, it was great to hear the good ol’ fire trucks making noise and spreading cheer to the community, who mostly watched from their doors instead of crowding the streets like a normal 4th of July. 2020 is a year for the history books. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ #glenside #pennsylvania #smalltown #community #glensideparade #fourthofjuly #phillies #philadelphiaphillies #igers_philly #fanatic #philliephanatic #phanatic #mlb #firetrucks #independenceday #2020 #sociallydistant #wearamask #masked #nobodysgonnarainonmyparade #parade #montgomerycounty #montcopa #pennsylvaniaphotographer #summervibes #summer2020 #ishootpics #history #historyinthemaking

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The Parade Lives On!

What an amazing day! Thank you to everyone who helped us preserve a part of history for Glenside today. A big thanks to Ralph's and Daryl's for letting us borrow the Philly Phanatic and Dj Frankie Fresh for the amazing sound system to play the bags and pipes. Lastly a huge shout out to Jamey Piggott from the Glenside Patriotic Association, Matt Scholly from Glenside Fire Co. and Steve Messina from Bold School Designs for working with us to make this actually happen. The parade lives on!!!!#AbingtonPd #CheltenhamPd #SecondAlarmer #CheltenhamEms #GlensideFireCo.

Posted by Weldon Fire Company on Saturday, July 4, 2020

We would like to thank Weldon Fire Company and Glenside Fire Company for putting together an awesome event escorting…

Posted by Glenside Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2020

Photo: Greater Glenside Patriotic Association