Patriotic Forsyth County celebrates America’s 246th birthday
News July 4, 2022
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsythians turned out by the hundreds Monday to celebrate the nation’s 246th birthday and witness Cumming’s 65th Annual Thomas Mashburn Steam Engine Parade.
The iconic steam engines whistled their salute to America as they rolled down Main Street, followed by a contingent of patriotically decorated trucks and other vehicles. The streets of Cumming were lined with American flag-waving patriots as far as the eye could see.
The prevailing mood was patriotic and celebratory.
Forsyth County was not about to let the dour mood that has swept through the country sparked by inflation, the border crisis, and the rising crime rate keep them from paying tribute to a country that has given them so much.
Melissa Vaughan, lifelong resident of Forsyth County said, “We are still free. We are still Americans. I feel like we are blessed by how we get to live compared to people in other countries. We have so many freedoms that other people don’t have. I feel like it is worth celebrating.”
Ryan……………a Viet Nam veteran, said, “This is still the greatest country in the world and we need to celebrate it. There are people who have given up their lives to help this country stay free and independent. We have to keep celebrating our independence.”
Jerry Marinich, chairman of the Forsyth County Republican Party, said. “It’s important we celebrate this day because of the sacrifices made by our forefathers. All gave some. Some gave all.”
Cumming celebrates Independence Day Saturday with 63rd annual steam engine parade
News July 1, 2020
CUMMING, Ga. – The City of Cumming hosts one of the largest and most exciting 4th of July celebrations in north Georgia.
For more than 60 years, thousands of folks, young and old, have lined the streets of downtown Cumming to revel at the sights and sounds of the Thomas-Mashburn Independence Day Steam Engine Parade.
The 63rd annual event winds through downtown Cumming. This year’s parade route has been extended to allow for social distancing. All non-steam engine entries will begin at Forsyth Central High School and steam engines will enter the parade at Webb Street. The parade will make its way down Tribble Gap/Castleberry Road and end at the Cumming Fairgrounds.
Parade spectator parking will be available at Cumming Elementary, Otwell Middle and Forsyth Central High schools, the parking decks on Castleberry Road and School Street/Mason Street, and in the Cumming City Hall and Forsyth County Administration Building parking lots. Attendees are asked to please practice social distancing, and earplugs are always recommended (especially for little ones) as the steam engines are extremely loud.
You will know the fun is about to start when you hear the exciting steam engine whistles begin to blow. Cumming Mayor Troy Brumbalow and the City Council will be at the head of the parade, followed by Forsyth County veterans who are always honored guests.
Then magnificent steam engines represent an important historical era in Georgia’s agriculture. Next, it’s an exciting array of colorful local business floats, antique cars and county sports teams.
A.G. Thomas, Dr. Jim Mashburn, and Dr. Marcus Mashburn, were all avid collectors of steam engines and their family and friends have maintained and added to their unique collections over the years. The Steam Engine Association proudly displays their antique engines every 4th of July to carry on the tradition.
The festivities continue from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cumming Fairgrounds, as patrons enjoy vendors and music while they wait for the main event: theannual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. There are no parking or admission fees to enter the Fairgrounds. No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the Fairgrounds, and guests are asked to please practice social distancing.