A newly formed foundation is planning a July Fourth parade in Brooklet and hopes to encourage participants — and attendees — from all over Bulloch and surrounding counties to join in the fun.
The Seven Four Foundation, led by Brooklet Police Chief Doug Meyer, hopes to promote the restoration of “Southern family values” and patriotism, Meyer said.
“It’s not just for Brooklet but anyone who would like to come,” he said.
The event is not connected to the annual Brooklet Peanut Festival, held in the town each August. It is expected to be a simple celebration in the form of a parade, where “people can bring a picnic lunch if they wish” while they watch, he said.
Meyer said he has noted a resurgence of patriotism and observance of family values, and when speaking to residents of Brooklet, “I’ve gotten lots of positive response” to the idea of a parade.
“This is America. You don’t have to be afraid to say you love your country or that you support traditional Southern values,” he said. Patriotism is “coming back, and I mean to help.”
The parade will be held in downtown Brooklet and will begin at 10 a.m., lasting until around noon. The theme will be patriotic, so participants should adhere to that theme when decorating floats and entries, he said. Entries showing “blatant, overt commercialism” as opposed to the theme are discouraged.
“We’re encouraging traditional Southern family values and a strong sense of what it is to be a freedom-loving American,” Meyer said.
Both public and private groups and organizations are invited to enter the parade.
The Seven Four Foundation is a nonprofit organization geared toward offering the parade as well as educational activities, such as speaking engagements on topics including “personal responsibility, safety and security and self-reliance,” and community projects, like helping with the installation of gardens for those in need, Meyer said.
Anyone with questions or who wants a parade application may send Meyer an email at synopticpro@gmail.com or call (770) 301-9385.
Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.