Happy Fourth! Woodstock Early Bird took a drive up Vermont’s beautiful Route 100 this morning to the annual Warren 4th of July Parade near Sugarbush.
Upon arrival what I witnessed was “Give ‘Em Hell Bernie!” and “Thanks Bernie!” Senator Bernie Sanders garnered non-stop cheers from a crowd of his political “people.” Several weaving hippie-types — we mean the original 70’s commune settlers deal — in tall Uncle Sam hats wandered over to shake his hand. The crowd at this always political parade (just slightly left of center and left of Montpelier) is probably ground zero demographically for Sanders’ core constituency. He didn’t need to make any speeches against “the corporation” because folks at this event have been with him on the issues and voting for him for a long, long time. Rep. Peter Welch, also a member of the Vermont delegation, followed behind but was unfortunately eclipsed by Vermont’s better-known, outspoken Senator with the Brooklyn accent. Welch should consider marching next Fourth of July in Windsor County for some down home political spotlighting. No need for him to walk in anyone’s shadow!
Best parade group by far? The both politically incorrect and politically correct group of women strutting their stuff in support of the “Localvore/Buy Local” movement dressed as “Local Whores.” This parade is always pretty left of center and usually with some low-brow humor. Still, the role of the American military can rarely be voided on this celebration of Independence Day. Four to six fighter jets started off the parade celebrations by screaming low over Warren with an impressive display of maneuvers. 
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 