SHELBURNE FALLS — Not even the rain could put a damper on the traditional Independence Day parade and chicken barbecue.

“We’re here,” said Jim McCrory of the Marine Corps League Oak Ridge Detachment. “We don’t care if we get wet.”

As the rain drizzled down on Tuesday, local organizations as well as police, fire and EMS personnel lined up their respective vehicles on Conway Street for the start of the parade, which made its way from The Mill at Shelburne Falls, through the village and then west on Mechanic Street toward Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School.

“Anyone who wants to come out and celebrate on days like today, I’m appreciative,” said Steven Finck, who has organized the Independence Day parade for nearly 30 years.

Finck said he personally calls around to invite many of the Franklin County departments to ensure no invitation goes unread.

“I believe in America,” he said. “I believe this is a good celebration. Even though it’s raining, we should still be here.”

Emergency vehicles from Shelburne, Buckland, Hawley, Colrain, Deerfield and Greenfield, among others, flashed their lights and blared their sirens as they made their way through the two towns. Veterans, bagpipers, antique cars and a few horses were also in tow. Families lined the streets, waving as the motorcade went past.

Greenfield Deputy Police Chief William Gordon was among the fleet, driving the city’s control command center.

“It’s nice to be able to celebrate Independence Day with the Franklin County community,” Gordon said. “It’s always exciting to be at this parade because the crowd is so enthusiastic.”

The parade concluded at the elementary school, where more than 200 chickens and baked potatoes were sold to guests. The barbecue was preceded by a performance from the Shelburne Falls Military Band. In the past, the Shelburne Falls Cub Scouts Pack 85 hosted the barbecue, according to Finck, but the Shelburne Grange took over the responsibility this year.

Roland Giguere, president of the Grange, said the chicken and potatoes were bought at Foster’s Supermarket in Greenfield. A junior member of the grange helped assemble the coleslaw.

“Last year, we had 220 [chickens] available, and I think … we didn’t sell quite out, but there were only a couple left,” he said.

Julie Page, an EMT with Shelburne Center Fire who directed traffic on Conway Street and helped everyone find their spot in the motorcade, said she was impressed by the event’s turnout.

“In spite of the rain, they were able to come close to selling out their 224 chickens for the chicken barbecue,” Page said. “In previous years, they’ve sold out completely. In spite of the rain, they came darn close to it.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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