TURNING POINT PARADE
23rd annual event commemorates 1777 Battle of Saratoga
SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y.» A large crowd turned out Sunday for the 23rd annual Turning Point Parade in downtown Schuylerville.
The Turning Point Parade & Festival is a commemoration of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War.
This year’s parade took 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 event.
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 2017 Turning Point Parade featured more than 100 units including a dozen marching musical groups, drawing lots of spectators along its route.