The British invade Polson’s Fourth (but the parade still goes on)

The Minutemen's fife and drum corp celebrated the defeat of the Redcoats prior to Polson's Fourth of July parade. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

One of the members from the upstart USA attempts to reload his gun in the fight against the king. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

Runners bolted down the street to celebrate Fourth festivities in Polson. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

Many animals both big and small also wore red, white and blue for the 4th of July Parade in Polson. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

A multitude of vehicles wearing the red, white and blue made their way down the street at this past Friday's 4th of July Parade in Polson. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

Even Smokey Bear made an appearance at this past Friday's parade in Polson. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

While some took the squirt guns head on others fled for cover at this past Friday's parade in Polson. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

by KALEB UNGER
Reporter | July 10, 2025 12:00 AM

Main Street in Polson was the place to witness the surrender of British Redcoats, a hoard of people racing through town and a procession of humans and animals decked out in red, white and blue last Friday.

From end-to-end, sidewalks were crowded with young and old, sitting and standing, and ready to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Many wore red, white and blue and held the little Amercian flags handed out by local sports teams for the festivities. Team members also helped police the crowd, keeping eager kids from getting too close to passing vehicles in their efforts to claim candy.

The event started with a reenactment of the Minutemen versus the British in front of the VFW. Luckily, the colonial upstarts, in the name of no taxation without representation, forced the Redcoats to surrender, earning a chorus of cheers from onlookers.

After the reenactment, local runners bolted down the street with many dressed up for the occasion.

The parade began with the Honor Guard, holding up flags for respective branches of the military, and included bagpipers, floats representing sports teams and businesses, individuals and even a little dog wearing an American flag.

Of course, the biggest hit was the candy, as kids bolted into the street to get their piece of the prize while bobbing and weaving away from water guns, which caused some older audience members to back up to avoid getting soaked.

The Flathead Raft Company was named Grand Marshall of this year’s parade because of the business’s strong representation of the mission statement of the Polson Chamber of Commerce: "To serve, support and strengthen our members by enhancing the business climate, promoting our area, and fostering a sense of community.” Even as the parade lined up, the raft company was interacting with the community and playing music.

The parade was preceded by the chamber’s annual fireworks extravaganza, which illuminated the Flathead River Thursday night.