The annual Block Island Fourth of July Parade kicked off, after a year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Grand Marshall was Postmaster Becky Brown and the staff at the U.S. Post Office on Block Island. Numerous island businesses and families participated, giving the judges plenty of options for the prizes. The theme for this year’s parade was Celebrate America, with the Grand Prize going to the Block Island Club for their float celebrating backyardbarbecues. First place in the business division went to Koru Eco Spa, with first place in the family division going to the delightful yellow Volkswagen bug decked out with more flags and streamers than one could count.The Block Island Volunteer Fire Department led off the parade with volunteer fireman Patrick McNerney behind the wheel of the lead truck, followed by Jack Connell driving the second vehicle, Engine 1. The fire department has five trucks in total on Block Island, and McNerney said this was his second year driving in the parade.The Second Company, Governor’s Foot Guard, provided color guard duties for the parade, as they have since 1999. According to Lt. Colonel Gary W. Stegina, Second Company is the oldest, continuous military organization
