HAVRE DE GRACE -- They sat and they cheered for hours, waving miniature American flags and singing patriotic songs in accompaniment to the marching bands.
Some spent days finding a sacred space for their lawn chairs on the sidewalks of Union Street, angling for the best view of the annual Independence Day parade.
Not even the sweltering heat that reached 103 degrees yesterday could keep residents away from a parade that is a tradition in this historic Harford County town that hugs the Susquehanna River.
"We have the best celebration in the state of Maryland," Mayor Phil J. Barker proudly proclaimed. "I'd also be willing to say that we have the best celebration in the country."
Across the state, from Ocean City to Oakland, similar boasts were made as Marylanders turned out to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence 223 years ago with parades, picnics and fireworks.
In Baltimore, tens of thousands of people flocked to the Inner Harbor to watch the skies lighted by a fancy fireworks display.
But Havre de Grace residents say that what they have is different: hometown spirit coupled with a heavy dose of patriotism.
That seemed clear, as the town went all out -- thousands of people lining 13 blocks of the main street -- to celebrate America's birthday. So determined were they to have this parade that residents pitched in to help offset the $55,000 cost of the celebration.
"We in Havre de Grace like to celebrate this holiday so much because it gives us a chance to show how much we love our country," said Noble Mentzer, who has lived here all but one of his 71 years. "I've been all around the world, and there ain't no other place that I would want to live."
As children licked snowballs, and as hot dogs and Italian sausages roasted on grills, gigantic floats and antique cars carrying the likes of U.S. Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes and his wife, Christine, and Harford County Executive James M. Harkins made their way down Union Street.
Area marching bands, decked in colorful regalia, followed the cars and floats. Then came the 229th Maryland Army National Guard Band, stepping in unison and propelling the crowd to its feet, in a salute to the nation's military men and women and veterans.
"This is really what the holiday is all about," said John Rubin, 43, another resident. "It's our chance to pay homage and respect to those who are willing to put their lives on the line to preserve American democracy and freedom."
