Area residents flock to Third of July Parade

Published 10:27 pm Saturday, July 3, 2021

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Law enforcement and veterans lead the Third of July Parade Saturday evening in Albert Lea. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea baseball players are recognized during the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Vietnam War veterans wave from a truck during the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Several people handed out American flags during the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

The Albert Lea Fire Department conducted its annual "Fill the Boot" campaign during the parade, raising $3,737 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Dave Mullenbach drives a fire truck from the Freeborn County Historical Museum. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Third of July Parade grand marshal Marion Ross waves to parade-goers Saturday in Albert Lea. Photo courtesy Bryce Gaudian

Members of the Albert Lea Marching Band walk through the parade Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Participants from Dave Syverson walk through the parade Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Waseca Officer Arik Matson and his family were honored as part of the Dave Syverson entry for the parade. Here, one of Matson's daughters can be seen waving to the crowd. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea Select Foods had a large pig float and several other small pigs in its entry. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

One of two golf carts led the St. John's Lutheran Community float Saturday in the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

The Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition and MercyOne participated in the parade Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett of Albert Lea waves from a golf cart during the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Drummers make their way through the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

A few dogs could be seen during the parade Saturday, including this one with its owner handing out candy for the Thompson Sanitation float. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Dancers with Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio participate in the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Freeborn County Republicans walk in the parade carrying signs for various Republican leaders. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of the Shrine Club delight parade-goers with their routine Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

A clown as part of Rochester Merry Medics rides down the street in the parade Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

A float from Prairie Senior Cottages was decorated to recognize heroes. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

A dog with a patriotic bandanna walks through the parade Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Representatives from the Freeborn County DFL Party ride in a float Saturday in the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Fountain Lake Family Dental handed out toothbrushes to parade-goers. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

A singer rides a car from the Boogie for Jesus float. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Minnesota Jack Sparrow rides from the top of a boat float in the parade. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

A young boy watches from the top of a John Deere tractor in the parade Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Members of the Sunset Saddle Club take part in the parade Saturday. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

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After a year without the Third of July Parade because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade was back on Saturday with big crowds and floats of all kinds.

The parade started at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and traveled down Bridge Avenue before turning onto Fountain Street and then ending at Central Park.