On Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 AM, at Paint Branch High School, began the 24^th annual Burtonsville Day Parade. Many different groups and people came out to celebrate Burtonsville with food and friends.

The parade included different kinds of groups, most notably dog trainers, political candidates, Girl Scouts, the Paint Branch and Springbrook Marching Bands, the Paint Branch NJROTC, and a Colgate truck promoting dental health. Though the parade started with a few hiccups, it remained organized.

As onlookers gathered, candy and stickers were given out as the floats marched down Old Columbia Pike to their end point at Marilyn J. Praisner Recreation Center. After the parade, the festivities continued with moon bounces, face painting, tons of stands, the local band Gonzo Cowboys, a magic show, and many things to buy. Toys, food, acupuncture, bracelets, and lots of other items could be purchased from local vendors. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Knights of Columbus organizations sold food, from Indian style chickpeas to pit beef and turkey.

The Lions Club also set up shop and sold hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and other food to buy. The proceeds from the Lions Club went to blindness charities, but the Lions Club has also been a big part of Paint Branch as well. They help fund the Post-Prom breakfast and have sponsored scholarships for PB students. One member of the Lions Club, Elizibath Puglises, said, “The Burtonsville Lions are very active in the community and are always looking for new members.”

If moon bounces or magic shows weren’t your thing, there was also a book sale, book signing by local authors, sports, a pet show and demonstrations for line and step dancing, as well as boxing. Lastly, there were giveaways, which had prizes that included gift cards and small cash prizes.

Burtonsville Day is a good example of how united the community is, with a variety of different cultural and ethnic options available for things to eat, buy, and see. Thanks to local organizations, the community could unite and celebrate Burtonsville’s history and its habitants.