Storm can't break spirit at Fourth parade Potwin residents take

By JENNIFER KNOPP

The Capital-Journal

Rain showers delayed but couldn't dispel the spirit of Independence Day for residents of the Potwin neighborhood Tuesday morning.

A parade scheduled for 9:30 a.m. was rescheduled for 11:30 because of a storm that dumped just more than an inch of rain on parts of Topeka.

Ann Palmer said she has lived in Potwin for 22 years and never witnessed a rain delay on the Fourth of July.

Palmer said Potwin is a good place for traditional holidays --- such as Independence Day and Christmas --- because of its Victorian- style homes and brick streets.

She said the neighborhood has had an annual Fourth of July celebration since the 1950s.

Many residents sat on their porches watching the rain or talking with family and friends. American flags decorated nearly every house on the two streets in the Potwin neighborhood.

About 11 a.m., the rain subsided, and the sky began to clear just in time for residents to prepare for the parade.

Children on bikes decorated with red, white and blue streamers pedaled their way to S.W. 3rd and Greenwood, where the parade began at 11:45. Bikes and tricycles led the parade, with dogs wearing flag- print bandanas around their necks running alongside.

Musicians followed, playing patriotic music on their drums, flutes and trumpets .

Vintage cars slowly ferried passengers who tossed candy to spectators.

A Boy Scout, accompanied by a "wounded colonial soldier" with a bandage around his head, carried an American flag.

Bringing up the rear was an all-female "drill team" carrying power drills --- with flags in place of drill bits.

The parade pedaled, drove and walked its way back to 3rd and Greenwood at noon. The Potwin fun run scheduled for 9 a.m. was canceled because of rain.

See PARADE, page 9-A

Parade

--- Matt Daugherty/The Capital-Journal

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