The Village of Mecosta ushered in Independence Day 2025 with its cherished annual parade along Main Street (M-20), drawing residents and visitors alike to partake in a day filled with patriotic pride and community spirit. The celebration commenced at 11 a.m. on July 4, featuring a vibrant procession that included a VFW color guard, classic cars, themed floats, and local organizations.
Leading the parade were long-time community members Mary Ann and Larry Lenon, honored as grand marshals for their decades of dedicated service. Larry contributed over 40 years to the Village’s operations, while Mary Ann devoted 41 years to the Morton Township Library.
The parade showcased a diverse array of participants, including fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and a bagpiper and fifer performing patriotic tunes. Children eagerly collected candy tossed from passing vehicles, and spectators donned red, white, and blue attire to celebrate the nation’s birthday.
Among the attendees were Emery Kloosterman and Giselle Clifton, who traveled from downstate to join the festivities. Kloosterman, a frequent visitor to the parade, expressed appreciation for the tradition and the opportunity to honor those who fought for independence. Clifton, attending for the first time, enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere and community engagement.
Local resident Ledgin Lehman highlighted his grandfather’s patriotic truck as a parade favorite, emphasizing the importance of remembering fallen heroes. Visitors from Saginaw and Waterford, including Army veteran Marcos Cook, praised the warm, small-town ambiance and the variety of classic cars and local shops.
The day’s celebrations extended beyond the parade, featuring a classic car show on Main Street from 2 to 6 p.m., showcasing vintage vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and tractors. Attendees participated in a downtown scavenger hunt and a dunk tank fundraiser near the Village Office, with proceeds supporting the evening’s fireworks display.
Culinary delights were provided by local favorites such as Fatbelly, You Chill, Woody’s, Coffee and Cream, and Fates Express Mecosta, offering a range of food options to satisfy attendees.
As the sun set, the community gathered at Bromley Park for “Music on the River,” featuring an Elvis tribute performance by Jake Slater. The evening culminated in a fireworks display, illuminating the sky and symbolizing the unity and pride of the Mecosta community.
The Independence Day festivities continued into July 5, with events including cornhole and euchre tournaments at the Mecosta VFW and a light parade featuring illuminated vehicles traveling through town.
Overall, Mecosta’s Fourth of July celebrations exemplified the village’s commitment to honoring national history, fostering community connections, and providing a memorable experience for all attendees.
