Latest news with #LawnMowerBrigade
CBS News
04-07-2025
- General
- CBS News
St. Anthony Park celebrates "4th in the Park" with lawn mowers, scouts and 78 years of tradition
For 78 years in St. Paul, neighbors have lined the streets of St. Anthony Park each Independence Day, claiming a patch of grass to take part of Minnesota's longest-running Fourth of July Tradition: Fourth in the Park. Marie Lister grew up attending the parade and now oversees the event and brings the same enthusiasm she once brought as a young spectator. "I grew up in the neighborhood and as a kid the Fourth of July parade in St. Anthony Park was my very very favorite thing to do," said Lister. This year's celebration — like those before — had a colorful mix of marching bands, local floats and a few surprises, including a fan favorite: The Lawn Mower Brigade. "When I took over the parade 10 years ago, I had a bucket list, and bringing back the Lawn Mower Brigade was at the top of my list," said Lister. The brigade, a group of volunteers, dressed in patriotic gear, pushed mowers in synchronized formations along the parade route. "The lawn mower brigade has been a long standing part of that parade," said Jonathan Carter of the Lawn Mower Brigade. "I think people like something that's quirky, a little fun, American, nothing like pushing your mower around on a hot day." They weren't the only ones keeping tradition alive at the Fourth of July celebration. John Ernst, a 98-year-old, 1940s Murray alumni and former trooper in the Boy Scouts, was in attendance. Ernst was a scout in the early days in Saint Paul, his role in the scouts linked him back to the original boy scouts. The years he was a scout overlapped with some of the original group, and now he stands side-by-side with the younger generation of scouts. "He basically links us to the original troop in 1916," said Mike Smith, of the 107th Troop Boy Scouts of America. There were many highlights to this year's Fourth of July celebration in St. Anthony Park but what sticks out the most is the sense of community in this neighborhood. "Even when things feel hard in our country, it's nice to come together as a community and celebrate the way we take care of each other," said Lister.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FOX 56's Marvin Bartlett captures the essence of bluegrass spirit in new book
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — For 35 years, FOX 56's Marvin Bartlett has traversed the Commonwealth in search of strange, surprising, and sentimental stories that encompass the 'Spirit of the Bluegrass.' In his new book, 'Spirit of the Bluegrass: Strange, Surprising, and Sentimental Stories from Kentucky,' he explores the spirited places, holiday spirit, spirited people, and unexpected spirit that Kentuckians possess. 'Marvin Bartlett fills the reader with just that–the spirit of quaint, charming places, folksy, salt-of-the earth Kentuckians, and the 'small' stories that ring powerfully. Bartlett's uncanny knack for finding all of the above is amazing,' Steve Flairty, author and columnist, wrote. Over 220 pages span from unique celebrations like Wilmore's July Fourth Lawn Mower Brigade to unforgettable faces like the boy who loves presidents. FOX 56's Marvin Bartlett captures the essence of bluegrass spirit in new book Wagner's Pharmacy: Louisville diner celebrates racing history Hope runs high on Kentucky farms during foaling season 'With each Spirit of the Bluegrass segment, Marvin delivers a masterclass in storytelling. His unmatched passion and talent make him a true treasure of the Commonwealth,' former co-anchor Kristen Pflum said. It's one sure to entertain and proof that the Commonwealth isn't so common after all. 'Spirit of the Bluegrass: Strange, Surprising, and Sentimental Stories from Kentucky' officially releases on Tuesday, May 6. Viewers, readers, and Kentuckians alike can join Bartlett at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington Green for a launch event and book signing. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Read more Spirit of the Bluegrass stories To learn more about the book or snag a copy of your own, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
