“Come One, Come All, Let Freedom Ring! It is once again time to celebrate U.S.A.’s 247th Independence Day with a neighborhood parade on Fort Scott’s Tower Hill better known as Burke Street on the Fourth of July,” according to a press release from Barb Albright.
The Annual Burke Street Parade kicks-off at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, with The Pledge of Allegiance led by Louie Dunkeson, and kids’ singing patriotic songs. The singing became a tradition following the September 11 attack on America, in 2001, she said.
But the parade dates back over four decades, 41 years ago.
“The parade began as a neighborhood event,” Albright said. “Today the general public is more than welcome to participate, bring a lawn chair and sit along the parade route , and partake in the post-parade social.”
Following patriotic songs by “Kids on Burke” led by two of the parade founders: Susan Foster and Jill Gorman; the parade will depart at 10 a.m. from Tenth and Burke Street going south around the Marblecrest Street Triangle and returning north to the point of origin, according to the press release. Traditionally, cheering spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating and dress in red, white, and blue. Spectators line the parade route with family and friends.
“Post-parade refreshments will be served and ALL ARE WELCOME to the front yard of “Lady Liberty” and “Uncle Sam” also known as Margaret and Merl Humphrey, 1024 Burke,” Albright said. “Margaret is another founder of the event. Neighbors and friends-of-the-parade donate the cookies, and drinks are provided by this year’s hosts Bryan and Julie Buchta.”
A severe storm or lightning strikes cancels the parade and there are no large vehicles allowed due to the many children participating in the festivities.
Parade questions can be answered by Margaret Humphrey 620-223-0388 or Theresa Bahr 620-215-2889.
History of the Burke Street Parade
This history information was gathered by Barb Albright from the following sources: Fort Scott Tribune articles, online Fort Scott.Biz articles, and a co-founder Margaret Humphrey interview.
“Over 40-years ago local Fort Scott resident Susan Stapleton Foster was visiting her brother Dr. Burder Stapleton’s family in Memphis, TN, over the Fourth of July. She was fascinated with the neighborhood parades celebrating Independence Day, and returned home to share the idea of a patriotic parade with her Burke Street neighbors Margaret Humphrey and Jill Gorman.
“According to Margaret Humphrey, the first parades were small going north on Burke past Mercy Hospital and turning back to the south. A few spectators would come out to see the parade pass and send encouraging cheers to the participants. After the parade there would be neighbors gathering for cookies and conversations.
“Today the Burke Street Parade remains a patriotic tradition thanks to kids on their bicycles, parents pushing baby strollers, men riding lawn mowers, owners walking their costumed pets, folks marching, and last… but not least, the flag-waving spectators along the parade route in their red, white, and blue attire.
As the crowd has grown, so has the refreshment table with many contributors dropping off cookies prior to the parade. This year’s hosts are 1002 Burke newcomers to Fort Scott, Bryan and Julie Buchta who will be serving post-parade cookies and drinks in the Humphrey’s front yard at 1024 Burke.”