WATERBURY, Vt. -
Its all pomp and circumstance at Waterbury's annual ‘not quite Independence day' parade. A truly American experience, kids squabbling over candy, bystanders donning red white and blue and of course, politicians out glad-handing the public. "Lots of people, a great day. We're celebrating the fourth of July, what could be better in Vermont" Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock said. "Beautiful day, thousands of people and this is what July fourth week is about" Senator Bernie Sanders added.
Whether they like to admit it, campaign season is in full swing. When asked if he was out campaigning Governor Shumlin simply said, "I'm out here as governor to celebrate the fact that we're back on our feet in Waterbury and back on our feet across the state of Vermont".
The parade has brought people in Waterbury together for several decades but there's something different about the spirit of this year's parade. "You stand here and you don't realize what it looked like during Irene and the transformation, the work the community coming together, it really reflects the best of Vermont and the best of our country" Governor Shumlin said. "I remember being here the day after and people have come a long way, the state of Vermont came together and I think we're all proud of what we've accomplished" Sanders said.
It's Waterbury's way of saying no storm can keep them down. A long standing tradition in a town that embodies the resilience of Vermont and the spirit of the country.
