PHOTOS: Wilson Point Residents Display Their Patriotism

Sheila Harrington founded the Wilson Point Fourth of July parade and she didn't even know it.

More than a decade ago, Harrington would walk through the streets of Wilson Point with her children and grandchildren, who rode bicycles decked out in red, white and blue decorations in honor of Independence Day.

Not long after that, people said to Harrington, "You didn't tell us there was a parade." Community leaders then asked if she would be interested in organizing a formal Wilson Point parade.

That was 11 years ago, and now the annual parade is one of the biggest events of the year in Wilson Point. Hundreds lined the streets on Monday to catch the parade and partake in the Fourth of July festivities.

"It's just a great way to bring the community together and teach the children about the true meaning of the Fourth of July," Harrington said. "The patriotic spirit is alive and well in Wilson Point. The parade is also a great way for young people to see what dedicated people we have in the community, like those with the volunteer fire department, the American Legion and the Air National Guard."

Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson served as the grand marshal of the event, while County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins and state Sen. J.B. Jennings also participated. The parade, which lasted about an hour, began at the Middle River Volunteer Fire Department.

Following the parade, awards were given out for several different categories. Among the winners were:

Best Decorated on Wheels—Freedom Racers, Clare & Cole, Ryan Miller and Justin Hailey

Best Float—Mike Harrington ("Downy Ocean")

Best Walking Group—"On a High Note" show choir

Best Pet—Lily Yorkie

Little Miss Fourth of July—Willow Wryesinski

Little Mr. Fourth of July—Nathan Kielar

Best Auto or Truck—Chuck Hale

Best Dressed Adult—Rob Hahn

Most Original or Unique—Tiffany Landers and Emily Dummire