The parade began as part of the patriotic feelings that swept the nation following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The first parade was held in June 2002, and the annual event quickly grew, becoming a very popular celebration of Old Glory as well as an opportunity to recognize local groups and traditions. Fireworks following the parade were added in 2004, and the CHS One Mile Road Race beforehand began in 2009.
Parade Grand Marshals each year have been:
2002 – World War II veteran Francis Miner, a former prisoner of war and recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star
2003 – 13 members of the Security Forces Squadron of the Stratton Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing, just back from the war in Iraq
2004 – Great-grandmother Ruth Hamlin, her daughter Linda VanSchaick, her daughter Amy Odom, and her daughter Madison Odom
2005 – Herb Jackson, a 43-year member of the Ballston Lake Fire Department, and Bob Boice, a 50-year member of the Burnt Hills Fire Department
2006 – Dr. Stanley “Doc” Garrison, founder of the Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital
2007 – Rod & Millie Andersen, the 1954 founders of Andersen Boat Shop
2008 – Former Ballston Town Supervisor Ray Callanan
2009 – Veterans from all eras & conflicts are jointly honored
2010 – Veteran Bob Speck, an elected member of the BH-BL Board of Education from 1974 to 2010
2011 – BH-BL teacher, coach & originator of this parade Gary Bynon
2012 – Superintendent Jim Schultz, retiring after 41 years of service to the BH-BL Schools
2013 – (Parade canceled due to severe storms.)
2014 – Tireless community booster & local business owner Ralph DeLuke of Mail ‘n More
2015 – Long-time residents and unstinting community volunteers Charlie & Pat Merriam
2016 – 4 Grand Marshals chosen to celebrate the BH-BL School District’s Centennial: Bev Oudt, Class of 1949; Ginny Mottola, Class of 1951; Casey Doherty, Class of 2016; and Zane Waylett, Class of 2029
2017 – The Morris Family who have supported this parade since its beginning in 2002 and whose patriarch founded and was the first President of the Business and Professional Association which sponsors this parade
2018 – The Burnt Hills Fire Department as they celebrate its 100th anniversary serving the community
2019 – Rick Reynolds, BHBL educator, town Historian, and parade Chairman for many years
2020 – Parade canceled due to COVID
2021 – Parade canceled due to COVID
2022 – The Brewster Family, owners of Gil’s Garage, and active in the BHBL community for many years
2023 – The Knight Family who have operated an orchard in Ballston for over 100 years