UPDATED WITH PHOTO GALLERY AND VIDEO: Linton’s 118th Freedom Festival Parade: the show must go on

Old Glory waves above the highway intersection.

Photo by Patti Danner

Despite a slight delay due to a rather inconvenient thunderstorm, the 118th Linton Freedom Festival Parade took place on Independence Day.

Starting at 2:30 p.m. under sunny skies, more than 120 parade entrants lined up to begin the state’s largest Fourth of July parade to the delight of thousands of viewers who, as per tradition, lined the parade route.

Making its debut this year, a huge flag used often to show respect to fallen first responders and military as their remains are escorted home for interment, flew above the intersection of the highways, courtesy of Trilogy Crane. The crane used has a 200-foot reach and is supported by five round steel feet that stretch from both sides as well as the back of the machine.

The Trilogy Crane from behind.

This year’s winning entries are:

John and Donna Cotter's winning float.

Another view of Cotter's float.

• Best of Theme/Sweepstakes/Best Overall-John and Donna Cotter

Worthington Girl Scouts.

• Mayor’s Choice/Second Place-Worthington Girl Scouts

• Queen’s Choice/Third Place-Breaker Rock Beach

• Religious Division-Community Food Pantry-A Can Can Make a Difference

• Adult Division First Place-Hillbilly Acres

• Youth Division First Place-The Great Greene County Jungle Journey

• Curt Hatton Comedy Award-Fendley Electric

• Color Guard-Bloomfield American Legion Post 196

• Bicycle-Zorah Shriners

Antique Autos and Farm Equipment

• Best Overall-1928 Model A Ford

• Bob Bradford Antique Vehicle Award-Crynes Auto Detailing

• Mayor’s Choice-1929 Model A truck/Jason Walton