WATERTOWN — Sirens, laughter and a whole lot of fun flooded the city as the Jefferson County Dairy Parade made its way along Washington Street on Friday night.
The parade began at 7 p.m. at the Watertown High School parking lot before heading down Washington Street toward Clinton Street.
Last year marked the return of the parade after a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dog Bella was joined by her human companions Denise and David Staie, who said they watch the parade every year. They have three grandchildren who participated in the parade as dairy ambassadors.
The Dairy Princess Program is transforming into a gender-neutral promotional program with dairy ambassadors, as opposed to princesses, moving forward. It’s a move happening throughout the state.
Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator Jay M. Matteson said all the past dairy princesses were invited back to the parade this year to honor the previous tradition.
The parade is also an annual enjoyment for Lloyd J. Chall, a Rutland resident, and Jack Collins, a former farmer on Dry Hill.
