Big crowds and perfect weather –– that was the story of Duxbury’s 4th of July parade.

“It couldn’t have gone any better,” said Parade Co-chairwoman Maggie Kearney.

After what seemed like more than a month of rain, the skies finally parted for Duxbury’s annual Independence Day celebration over the weekend. The beach party and bonfire was a rousing success despite a few bursts of rain and rising tides, and the weather for the parade on Saturday was perfect July sunshine.

“I think everybody was happy to see the sun,” Kearney said.

Large crowds gathered at the parade’s beginning and end, at Hall’s Corner and the high school, as well as all along the route. Several parade organizers said they believed the cancellation of parades in surrounding communities may have brought even more people to Duxbury.

“The parade went really well this year. The weather held out, we had tons of bands and floats,” said parade co-chairman Rich Potash.

From other communities came not only spectators, but participants in the parade. The Plymouth High School Band marched, and parade organizers were particularly proud that the Air Force Marching Band from Hanscom Air Force Base marched, which several people called a highlight of the parade.

“The parade was absolutely great,” said head judge Dave Johnson.

Despite the large number of floats and marching groups, the parade seemed to flow smoothly from its origin at the Hall’s Corner rotary.

Kearney said the last float headed down Washington Street at 2:50 p.m., excellent timing for such a large parade.

Participants in the parade were happy to be taking part in a long-running Duxbury tradition.

The Mutkoski family started making the parade an Independence Day tradition five years ago. Their red-white-and-blue themed float took home first prize in the mini-float category.

“It’s a nice family event, a way to celebrate patriotism,” said John Mutkoski.

“It was long and hot but a lot of fun,” said Alexa Nielson, a first-time parade walker with Duxbury’s 4-H group.

Fellow 4-H member Meredith Archer agreed that the parade route was long but fun. She said she has been to the parade before but this was her first time walking in it. The 4-H float took 5th prize in the mini float category.

Kearney credited the volunteers of the 4th of July Committee for making the event a success.

“I give them all the credit in the world,” she said. “Everyone had a task to do and they did it.”

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