Von Steuben celebration a smash

By DAVID HULSE

YULAN, NY — Predicted rains held off until late afternoon and several thousand festival-goers at the 13th annual Von Steuben Day parade and Germanfest enjoyed near-perfect early-fall weather for marching, eating and generally having a good time.

Afternoon sunshine made the most of colorful costumes, flags and floats as German-American groups from Middletown, Wilkes-Barre and Hawley were on hand in full costume.

The line of march was filled out with a combination of antique tractors, stilt walkers and delegations from area fire departments.

If the crowds along the line of march looked thin, many participants parked at the festival site and awaited the parade with beer and wursts in hand.

In a local election year, the parade was a magnet for area politicians. Assembly candidate Aileen Gunther rode with Highland Democrats celebrating the town’s 150th anniversary year, while her opponent Alan Sorensen walked the parade route shaking hands.

County legislative candidates Kathy LaBuda and John LiGreci rode in the parade, while Chris Cunninghan and Margaret Hazen attended the festival.

As is always the case, the food and drink at the festival highlighted the day, as area restaurant operators became concessionaires for the day providing a wide variety of tempting fare.

The festival proceeds benefited the sponsoring Yulan Fire Department.

For more images of the parade, click here.