TRR photo by Mary Greene The Anniversary Celebrations 2000 float was one of the most colorful to partake in Yulan's Von Stueben Day parade Saturday. (Click for larger image)

By MARY GREENE

YULAN - Cloudy skies and an impending cool drizzle could not keep crowds away from the Yulan four corners for the annual Von Steuben Day parade. Despite predictions for a low turnout, the parade was well attended and the German-American spirit ran high.

Sponsored by the Yulan Fire Department, German-American groups from as far away as Ridgewood, Queens participated in the parade, and many floats featured local groups such as the Eldred Pep Club and the Highland Seniors. Children lined the roadways, catching hard candy and chocolates thrown from the floats. Miss Germany waved regally from one float, while from another Miss Teenage Sullivan County was the height of poise and presence. The older German-American kings and queens, riding in convertibles and trucks, gave the parade an air of dignity and authenticity, as did the German folk dancing and appearances by marching bands. The American Legion, the Democratic Party and fire and rescue trucks from many area volunteer fire departments made an appearance along the parade route.

The parade led revelers to the Yulan ball field, where German bratwurst and sauerkraut stalls, games, craft booths and, of course, beer, welcomed Germans and enthusiasts of German culture to an afternoon of traditional good fellowship and cheer.