After a night of storms, July 4, 2026, dawned gray and cloudy in Gregory, where folks gathered earlier than usual in anticipation of the new 10 a.m. parade start time. While floats, tractors, and bicycles were lining up for Gregory’s 2026 4th of July Parade, master of ceremonies, Gordie Kunzelman, welcomed the assembling crowd. Kunzelman, outfitted in red, white, and blue overall shorts and carrying a soccer ball, brought a bit of the 2026 World Cup flair to Gregory’s parade.

After some quizzing of the crowd about the Liberty Bell, “The Star Spangled Banner,” the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and more, it was time to kick off the parade. Kunzelman introduced 10-year-old Charlotte Bell who did a beautiful job singing our country’s national anthem.

No sooner did the 4th of July parade start down Main Street in Gregory, when the sun popped out and the day turned bright and beautiful!

The parade grand marshal generally has a place of honor at the beginning of the parade. But this year’s grand marshal was Chief Wendy Hause of the Unadilla Township Fire Department. Her affiliation with the UTFD began 30 years ago in 1996, and for the past six years, Hause has served as the UTFD Fire Chief. Rather than being honored at the front of the parade, Hause chose to follow the cadre of emergency vehicles, including the UTFD fire crew, that traditionally end the parade.

All photos by Judy Williams and Mary Jo David.

Look for other parade coverage online, including photos of parade participants and pictures from the sidelines, at StockbridgeCommunityNews.com.