Schuylerville turns out for Turning Point Parade

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

The Moodus Drum and Fife Corps from Moodus, Conn., marches during the Turning Point Festival and Parade held in Schuylerville on Sunday.

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As guns fired and flutes whistled, onlookers lined the sidewalks of Spring and Pearl streets to catch a peek of the Turning Point Parade as it passed by.

The types of people marching in the parade on Sunday varied.

Some were war veterans who held American flags and banners showing where they served, while others were band or drumline members who performed rehearsed musical routines.

Dave Sullivan, Jim Crawford and Trish Crawford, three members of the Avant Garde Alumni Drumline, warmed up for their performance by tapping their drumsticks on a wooden fence.

The trio, who are part of a 15-member drumline, aren’t able to play together as often as they once were and sounded enthusiastic about bringing their old crew together again.

“We aren’t able to get together that much anymore,” said Sullivan, a seasoned drum line participant. “I am looking forward to getting the drum line back together at this parade and having a good time with some friends.”

The original idea for the Turning Point Parade was to serve as a public reminder of the area’s importance in the history of the United States, according to the parade’s website.

The defeat of the British Army in 1777 has been deemed the “turning point” of the American Revolution by many historians because the American victory at Saratoga convinced France to join the war and support the American cause.

In recent years the parade’s focus has expanded to include recognition of veterans and military service personnel from every era, age and conflict.

Sunday marked the 20th annual Turning Point Parade. Parade organizers added a festival 12 years ago where fireworks, amusements and drum and bugle corps competitions are offered. On Saturday, live music and carnival-style rides were offered in nearby Fort Hardy Park.

Janet Rogers and Donna Virden of Saratoga have been attending the parade for nearly 20 years.

Rogers said she enjoys coming to the parade because it is a great opportunity to listen to some wonderful music and enjoy beautiful weather.

“We love coming here,” said Rogers as she sat in a lawn chair in a shady area. “Its so relaxing and the tunes are magnificent.”

Brad Allen and his nephew Alexander Allen marched in the parade with the Second Continental Artillery of Fort Edward.

“We couldn’t have had more perfect weather for the event,” said Allen, while carrying a gun. “It is a nice cool day and it is great seeing some old friends.”