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The best of 'Daze'

by BILL BULEY
Staff Writer | July 3, 2022 1:08 AM

BAYVIEW — Andy and Liz Baker had no intention of being part of the Bayview Daze Parade. But when it started lining up in front of their home Saturday morning, they thought, why not.

“We just decided we were going to be in it,” Andy Baker said.

So they quickly decorated their golf cart with red, white and blue ribbons, attached a small flag to the front and placed a colorful scarf around their dog, Dazy.

"Golf cart is a very Bayview thing," Liz Baker said, laughing.

For the first time, they were in.

And it was great as they smiled, waved and swapped greetings with some of the crowd of more than 1,000 lining Ralph Jones Boulevard.

“It’s a thrill,” Liz Baker said.

The lakeside town’s annual Fourth of July celebration was one that put its patriotic pride on full display on a warm, sunny day.

The 40-minute celebration featured about 60 entries.

A red, Mercury station wagon had “America #1” in its window. People wore hats, shirts and pants decorated with stars and stripes and phrases that declared their love of country. Little kids waved in hopes of candy being tossed their way, while adults chatted and took pictures.

The crowd cheered as clowns, a tank, veterans, classic cruisers and mascots walked the parade route.

“The whole city comes together,” said Ashley Bolton of Bayview, who was joined by her son and daughter. “We look forward to this every single year.”

Timberlake firefighters were grinning as they sprayed the crowd with water cannons.

"We're enjoying it," said Timberlake Fire Protection District Lt. Ryan Shuck.

Brynlee Crossley was waving excitedly when she attracted the attention of Sparky the Fire Dog, who walked over and gave her a high-five.

Brynlee was delighted.

“She loves the parade,” said her mom.

The grand marshals were Tom Clary and Marie Streater, owners of JD’s Pub and Grill in Bayview.

Riding in a convertible, they were praised by announcers for their community spirit and generosity. They held a fireworks fundraiser in March that raised about $7,500.

“It’s an honor,” Clary said. "Overwhelming, but an honor.”

“Amazing,” added Streater.

The parade had some favorites, like Jamie Berube and Bob Prince who for the ninth year became “Uncle Sam’s Bucket Brigade” and collected donations on the parade route for the 2023 parade while passing out candy.

They were doing well, with adults handing cash to kids to drop in the cans.

This year they added a QR code for folks to contribute online in case they didn’t have any paper money.

“We’re catching up with the times,” Berube said.

She said they're happy to don their bright and bold outfits if it means the fireworks will go on — and it adds joy to the day.

“It’s great for the business,” Berube said. “It brings people into town."

“A good way to give back,” Prince added.

Christine Brochier was running to keep up with her decorated pedicab powered by Emily Fiero, with her sons Parker and Owen Fiero and friend Finley Peck enjoying the ride.

“I love this community,” Brochier said as she stopped to catch her breath, but then turned to catch up with the cab as it pulled away.

Mike Gunning, driving a golf cart, was surrounded by flags as he wore a blue shirt with white stars, red, white and blue necklaces and a tall hat with stars and stripes.

“Proud of America,” he said with a smile.

The Fourth festivities continue in Bayview with a lighted boat parade and fireworks show tonight, and a pancake breakfast Monday morning.

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Ralph Jones Boulevard was packed for the Bayview Daze Parade on Saturday.

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Margaret Nelson tosses out a can in her role with the Littler Bug Crew in the Bayview Daze Parade on Saturday.

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Jamie Berube and Bob Prince walk the Bayview Daze Parade route on Saturday collecting donations for next year's fireworks show.

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Andy and Liz Baker are joined by their dog Dazy in the Bayview Daze Parade on Saturday.

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Bayview Daze parade grand marshals Tom Clary and Marie Streater ride in a classic convertible.

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Sherry States with American Legion Post 149 Women's Auxiliary carries a flag in the Bayview Daze Parade.

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The crowd reacts during the Bayview Daze Parade on Saturday.

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Emily Fiero pedals a pedicab while her sons Parker and Owen Fiero and friend Finley Peck enjoy the ride in the Bayview Daze Parade.

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Brynlee Crossley gets a high-five from Sparky the Fire Dog in the Bayview Daze Parade on Saturday.

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Timberlake Fire Protection District Lt. Ryan Shuck sprays water toward the crowd in the Bayview Daze Parade.

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A canine smiles during the Bayview Daze Parade on Saturday.