A classic fire engine is seen during the Fourth of July parade in Mayville. P-J photo by Meghan Siperek

MAYVILLE — As the sidewalks filled with red, white and blue, the annual parade in Mayville was set to begin. Children lined the road, decked out head to toe in patriotic colors.

After the national anthem was sang, a helicopter flew over the crowd, signifying that the parade would begin.

Alexis Nelson, 10, from Panama, said she loved all of the loud noises, the candy and the balloons.

See PARADE, Page A3

Cars and participants in the Independence Day parade crawled down the hill in the village following one another. Many involved in the parade threw candy, creating cheers and a mad dash by the children to get their share of sweet treats.

Russ and Lori Piazza, accompanied by Janet Neid, drove a 1956 Chevrolet. Neid and Piazza’s threw stuffed animals for the children as a twist from the traditional candy.

The parade included groups ranging from hospitals, elected officials from Chautauqua County, area fire departments, 4-H groups, Boy Scouts and various car clubs from around the county.

Families also enjoyed inflatable attractions and food at Lakeside Park during and after the parade.