Northport's Greatest Hits in 70th Foundation Anniversary Parade

A parade begins with anticipation, with people along the streets waiting in holiday mood for the marchers and floats to pass by.

The occasion for Sunday's parade in Northport was the 70th anniversary of the Leelanau Township Community Foundation, founded in 1945 to support nonprofit organizations in Northport, Omena, and the surrounding township. Francis Haserot, for whom Haserot Park is named, then owner of the old Northport Cherry Factory, kicked off the Foundation with a $35,000 gift. Organizations and groups benefited by the Foundation were represented in the parade, along with just about every other local group and annual event. Proud banners were held high!

Sorry the old fire engine is a little fuzzy. Apologies also to anyone I've missed. 

If you're wondering why there are so few people on the sidewalks, it's largely because most of the township was in the parade. This was Leelanau Township celebrating itself, not a tourist event -- although any strangers who caught the parade got a good introduction to the community.

And there they go, down to the park for games and refreshments. It was a fantastic parade!