The small town of Cumberland, nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, was a liberal blue spot in a conservative red county. Amidst the buzz of the "America 250" parade, a sense of community and patriotism filled the air.
Main Street manager Melinda Kelleher was instrumental in planning the event, which aimed to bring the community together despite the divisive times. "We wanted an event that could really bring the community together," she said, highlighting the revitalization of downtown Cumberland with 30 new shops.
The parade route was lined with people of all ages, including Al Fieldstein, a former government employee and amateur historian. He shared stories of past parades, including one where President Benjamin Harrison walked the route to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Allegheny County in 1889.
Young children played at the feet of the gathered crowd, awaiting the parade. Al's eyes sparkled as he said, "We had the first national road, the first railroads. We have always been a crossroads for America." The town's history and pride were palpable.
Not everyone in attendance was a staunch supporter of the current administration. Terry, a retired lifelong resident, expressed her complicated feelings about the president. However, she was clear about her love for the town: "I’m glad to be here, though, I really do love this place."
On the other side of the political spectrum, Jalen Grimm, a student at Frostburg University, represented Turning Point USA with a booth set up along the parade route. She emphasized the group's message of love for America and patriotism.
As the parade began, the sounds of drums and marching bands filled the air. The mayor tossed candy from a float, and the crowd cheered. These moments of joy and community were a testament to the power of small-town patriotism.
It is in these tiny towns like Cumberland and Frostburg that the spirit of America is still alive and thriving. Despite the challenges and divisions of national politics, these communities come together to celebrate their heritage and their country. The America 250 parade was a shining example of this spirit.
