Young and old. First-time visitors and longtime parade-goers. Families, friends and neighbors all came together in the Town of Lumberland to experience the best of small-town America while celebrating the freedoms that have shaped the nation for 250 years.

The annual Fourth of July parade remains one of the community’s most cherished traditions. This year’s celebration carried special significance as the nation marked its semiquincentennial, while the town also honored the Lumberland Fire Department for 75 years of dedicated service to the community.

The Tusten-Highland-Lumberland VFW Post 6427 kicked off the parade at noon, carrying flags of the VFW, POW/MIA and American flag followed by a lively marching band, colorful floats from local organizations and businesses, and the impressive display of apparatus and personnel from area fire and ambulance departments. Jen Jensen served as parade emcee.

After the parade concluded, the celebration continued with food vendors serving a wide variety of summertime favorites. Long lines formed at the water and juice purveyors as visitors sought relief from the warm weather. Among the most sought-after foods were pierogis and stuffed cabbage, and walk-away tacos, with generous servings of fish and chips also proving popular. Ice cream sundaes provided a sweet finish for many attendees.

The delicious Ukrainian fare was prepared and served by the dedicated men and women of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church in Glen Spey. Nearby, a simple donation box invited contributions to support Ukraine’s military. It was a quiet but meaningful reminder that, while local families gathered to celebrate the blessings of freedom, many also chose to extend their generosity to those halfway around the world who continue to fight to preserve their own.

Throughout the day, local service organizations raised funds through raffles and food sales while children played, neighbors visited, and laughter filled the air. It was another memorable Independence Day in Lumberland—a celebration not only of America’s 250th birthday, but of the community spirit that continues to make small-town traditions so special.

Among those enjoying the festivities was Taylor Harless who traveled from North Carolina with her children—Teddy, Bennett and Maggie—to visit her father, an area resident. For the family, attending the parade was simply the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day. They said they were especially grateful for the freedom to travel throughout the country and experience its beauty. Five-year-old Teddy was particularly captivated by the area’s scenic lakes and the Delaware River.