Willow community celebrates 4th of July with annual parade

They came by car, ATV, and horseback last week, undaunted by the threat of rain in Willow, to celebrate the 4th of July.

“We’re a small town, we’re a community, and this is what it’s all about,” said Kim Pittner, who, along with her husband and grandson came out to watch the parade perched on their ATVs.

“It’s a small town parade, where people get together and have a good time,” said her husband, Milo. This year, they were able to bring their grandson Hunter along as he visited from Washington state. “They’ve lived in Alaska for 25 years and while they don’t get to make it to every parade, so this was special.”

State Representative Doyle Holmes led the parade through Willow, along with the Willow-Caswell Lakes Fire Department, Lead Dog Espresso, the Willow Library Association, and North Star Photography, to name a few.

The parade was followed by a picnic, which was truly a community event as members of the community contributed to the menu, according to the first let of their last names, while the Willow Lions Club helped grill up the main course.

“This is the best parade!” exclaimed an excited Tracey Keaton as she watched the parade and thank the different organizations as they marched by.

“No better way to celebrate our independence!”