By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Residents lined Main Street to watch the annual parade, sponsored and organized by the Special Events Committee.
The 76th annual parade and field day was held on June 14 in the village of Columbus. The theme was “The Circus.”
Approximately 30 organizations participated in the parade, which was led by the local Boy Scouts and began at 11 a.m. at Sheffield Drive and Columbus Road and proceeded along Main Street into Mansfield Community Park.
Marchers included Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local businesses and organizations, local farmers, bands — marching, pipe and drum — decorated bicycles, antique cars, floats, various fire companies and the first aid squad. Parade marshals were Robert and Susan Fegely.
Jacob Cohen, 5, of Burlington Township, was sitting with his grandparents and mom along Main Street waving an American flag waiting for the parade to start. His favorite part is getting the candy the marchers throw out to the crowd.
”It’s just a great day to celebrate our community,” said Linda Bryden, of Columbus.
”We enjoy the parade every year,” said Jack Bryden, of Columbus.
The Deminco Family, of Florence, was attending the parade for the second year in a row.
”She’s very excited,” said mom Jamie Deminco in reference to her daughter Lila, 2, adding she fell asleep before the parade started last year.
For Ms. Deminco, the highlight is the old tractors.
”They are pretty cool,” she said.
For some it was their first time experiencing the parade.
”This is our first parade,” said Bridget Roche, of Columbus. “We’re excited to see what it’s all about. This is actually our first community event.”
The Restuccio Family, which is also new to the area, was also watching the parade for the first time.
”I was hoping to hear more sirens,” said Fran Restuccio, of Homestead.
”It was nice,” said Ralph Restuccio, of Homestead. “It was a pleasant experience.”
Colleen Brennan-Riehl served as the parade chairperson.
”They close down the town at 10:45 a.m. and everybody pretty much follows the parade into the park,” said Ms. Brennan-Riehl.
The field day event has changed over the years to incorporate more rides.
”It used to be at the Civic Center and they used to have the races like the 100-yard dash like real field events and as it has grown it has changed with the times,” she said. “We’ve tried to keep the field events in it that’s why instead of an egg toss we do a balloon toss. We used to have a grease pole but that gets tough. Parents were complaining about the grease on the clothes.”
New this year was the mechanical surfboard.
”We are trying to get more and more rides,” she said. “I really feel that they (the kids) love the rides.
Attendees were able to purchase $5 wristbands for unlimited access to all the games.
Activities included a water slide, inflatables, an obstacle course, a rock wall, a dunk tank, a mechanical surfboard, carnival games, a watermelon roll, and old fashion games such as water balloon toss, corn hole toss, and more. There was also a pie-eating contest.
”I have the most fun with the games and the kids and playing,” she said.
Ms. Brennan-Riehl could be found during the event at the parachute toss where the kids were tossing water balloons up in the air.
Door prizes were raffled off throughout the day. There was also a live band, The Bradley Diamond Band, playing for attendees.
”We would like to see more vendors come out,” she said.
The Craft’s Creek Spring Hill Brook Watershed Association was giving away arrowwood plants.
”We are giving them away because we would like to see them planted and help the earth be a little more green,” said Marion Tallon.
According to the pamphlet, the arrowwood is a dense shrub typically 5 feet 9 inches tall and is native to eastern North America. It has clusters of white flowers in the spring and dark fruit in the fall.
The field day brought back memories for Ms. Tallon.
”It brings back memories and an appreciation for the township,” she said.
She noted that everything comes together via volunteers.
”All the kids that volunteer get a letter from the township for community help,” she said.
Mayor Robert Higgins introduced Li’l Miss Columbus of 2014, Anna VanMater, 7, of Columbus, prior to the start of the parade at 10 a.m. in front of the gazebo while Li’l Miss Columbus 2013, Macy McGarigle, 8, of Columbus, placed the crown on her.
”It is my privilege to recognize her as Li’l Miss Columbus,” said Mayor Higgins. “We are honored to have you represent the township.”
”I felt happy,” said Anna, adding she was excited.
She found out that she earned the honor on her birthday, May 30.
Macy was “very happy” to be selected for the title last year.
”I was excited to ride in the parade,” she said. “I was excited to represent my town.”

