REMEMBERING A VICTORY
Annual parade commemorates the Battle of Saratoga
SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y.» The 24th annual Turning Point Parade once again drew a large crowd to downtown Schuylerville to remember a local victory in the Revolutionary War.
Part of the yearly weekend-long Turning Point Parade & Festival, the parade is a commemoration of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.
The annual parade takes place on Broad Street in Schuylerville, not far from the Saratoga Battlefield at Saratoga National Historical Park.
The events that happened on this battlefield more than two centuries ago later became known as the turning point of the American Revolution, hence the name of the popular parade and festival.
The original idea for the Turning Point Parade was to serve as a public reminder of the importance of this area in the history of the nation.
Over time the parade has grown, evolved and improved. Its focus has expanded to include recognition of veterans and military service personnel from every era, age and conflict, as these are the individuals who have served to maintain the freedoms won by the patriots of the American Revolution.
The parade also pays tribute to the dedicated volunteers who maintain area fire and rescue services.
Today, The Turning Point Parade is one of the largest parades in upstate New York, marching on for approximately 90 minutes.
The 2018 Turning Point Parade featured more than 100 units including a dozen marching musical groups, drawing lots of spectators who raved hot temperatures on Sunday to stand along its route through Schuylerville.