The Ancients and Horribles parade

The Ancients and Horribles parade began in 1926. It continues today as a small and moderately attended parade in the village of Chepachet, RI. It has the normal trappings of your average American Fourth of July parade (marching bands, military processions, fire trucks, politicians etc). However, I believe its charm lies in its celebration of Freedom of Speech. There are no committess to decide who can march. No censorship of floats or participants. In fact, if you decide on the day of the parade you want to march in your underwear, you can show up and do just that. In fact, if you look at a couple of the pictures below, it seems a few people decided that they would like to show and march in their underwear. The parade also often features political satire from national figures to the local tax collector. Popular culture and current events are often spoofed as well. This is America as it should be: ragged, unorganized and politically incorrect.

The parade begins

Bands

Misc

Kids wipes out, kicks his bike

Proud to be American

Kids and pets

Waiting for the parade to start

Dancing cop