From Harford County Councilman Dion Guthrie: I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Joppa

Town and Edgewood for their overwhelming response for this years 300th anniversary Independence Day Parade. It was an impressive turnout despite the heat and the power being out until 10am on the day of the parade. We had 30-40 people out our house getting ready with the fans blowing and the thermostat reading 98 degrees. We were extremely proud to have such outstanding representatives of the U.S. Army/APG that have served our country including Commanding General Major General Robert S. Ferrell and his wife Monique, and Command Sergeant Major Kennis J. Dent as the command sergeant major and his wife. In addition to the one and only Motorized Giant Army Helmet, we got to see the latest in Army/APG technology, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle. Our Parade Grand Marshall was Harford Countys Sheriff Jessie Bane driven by Councilman Dion Guthrie. Many participants followed from Harford County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City and deserve honorable mention. Edgewood High School Marching Band and Joppatowne High School Marching Band came in 1st and 2nd respectfully. The Performance group first place award went to Boumi Shrine Motor Corps and Maryland Viper All Stars. Second place went to Episcopal Church of the Resurrection and Third Place went to Harford County Miss Fire Prevention Miss Lena Sharesky. The First Place Float Award went to Faces of Valor USA- Ted and Beth Levitt. Second Place went to Extreme Family Outreach and Third Place went to Joppatowne Lions Club. Special mention goes to Joppa Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, Harford Public Library, Knight Riders Motor Club of Baltimore, Martin R. Resnick, of the famous Martins Catering with the Faces of Valor car, Century Lions Club of Edgewood, Anns J.E.S. Grooming, and the many elected officials that came out and showed their support. We also MUST mention Doug Keithly, the Deputies of the Harford County Sheriffs Office, Bel Air Police Department, and the Harford County Crossing Guards for the organization and traffic management of the parade. The parade went off without a hitch, with a special thanks to Chair, Dianna Guthrie, and Sue Heselton. In addition, this parade would not have been possible without our great volunteers including: Carol Watson, Doris Carey, Veronica Black, Charles Guthrie, Daniel Whittington, Doug Eck, Cliff Eck, Lori Eck, Merrie Street, May Yent, Ken Heselton, Heather Mullis, Ashley, Keithly, Travis Keithly, Hass Keithly, Chase Keithly, Phillip Keithly, Mike Keithly, Doug Keithly, Judy Gough, Jim Lyons, and Ron Sollod. Thank you to all the banner carriers and all the stage crew. Also a special thanks to our top contributors for the 3nd year in a row; Marty R. Resnick, CEO of Martins Catering.