Cumberland, Maryland’s “America 250” Parade
Cumberland, like many small towns in Appalachia, has this interesting mix of a liberal vibe in a mostly conservative county. I was curious about whether this little town could pull off an “America 250” parade that would really unite the community.
Amid the lively atmosphere, flags waving, and red, white, and blue T-shirts everywhere, I found Main Street Manager Melinda Kelleher, who was heavily involved in the planning. When I asked if organizing such an event was challenging given the current political divisions, she didn’t even let me finish my question before responding, “Yes.”
However, Kelleher mentioned that the town faced the challenge head-on. “We wanted an event that could really bring the community together,” she said, noting how downtown Cumberland has revitalized with “30 new stores opening.” That’s impressive.
The parade, happening Thursday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, aims not only to connect locals but also to attract tourists from all over the country. Honestly, this scenic hill town is definitely worth a visit.
There was palpable pride in Kelleher’s voice as she surveyed the crowd. Among them was Al Fieldstein, a retired official and an amateur historian in his 70s. He shared, “President Benjamin Harrison walked this parade route in 1889 to celebrate Allegheny County’s 100th anniversary.” With nostalgia, he recalled, “I remember parading here as a child, watching the World War I veterans. Everyone’s gone now.”
I pointed to some kids playing nearby, saying, “It used to be you.” When I probed Fieldstein about Cumberland’s role over the past 250 years, he remarked, “We had the first national highway, we had the first railroad. We’ve always been a crossroads for America.”
Yet, not everything was devoid of political discussion. Terry, a lifelong resident and dedicated liberal, commented on the current administration, saying, “That guy in the White House is complicated.” Still, he expressed his love for the town, stating, “I’m happy to be here; I absolutely love this place.”
Shifting gears, I met Jalen Grimm, a Frostburg College student collaborating with Turning Point USA at a booth during the parade. I asked her what message they were conveying. She said, “It’s just that we love America. We have buttons and pocket constitutions for people and some memorabilia for Charlie,” referring to the late founder of TPUSA, Charlie Kirk.
Curious about the challenges of starting a conservative group on campus nowadays, she shared, “I was nervous at first, but it was great. We didn’t have many problems.”
Shortly after our chat, the announcer signaled the parade’s start, and the sound of drums echoed from afar. Everything felt just right, reminiscent of times gone by: bands playing, military vehicles rolling by, and the mayor tossing candy from a float.
These kinds of moments, this kind of spirit, are still quite prominent in America, more than many might realize. Often, it’s individuals like Kelleher—far from the national spotlight—who can bridge divides and foster unity.
Smaller towns like Cumberland and Frostburg are building their unique sense of patriotism. Even those I spoke with who might not feel particularly proud of the country overall still held fierce pride for their communities.
This narrative draws parallels to O. Henry’s “Cosmopolitan,” where a worldly man reflects on the folly of national pride, yet ends up in a brawl when someone insults his small Maine town.
The America 250 Parade in Cumberland, along with countless similar events across the country, offers genuine reasons for hope. While Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declines his state’s participation in America’s State Fair in Washington, the scene seems different at a local level.
If you have a chance, check out any small town celebrating America’s birthday. For a moment, set aside the anger and disputes of political life and simply enjoy the music, indulge in funnel cake, and embrace the spirit of America.
