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Thousands of residents and visitors filled the streets of Galeton over the Independence Day weekend for the community’s annual Red Suspender Weekend, a tradition that once again brought together family-friendly entertainment, local pride, and patriotic celebration.

Festivities began Friday evening as John J. Collins Park officially opened at 5 p.m. Visitors enjoyed carnival rides, games, food vendors, and live entertainment throughout the evening.

Saturday morning started with the 5K for Fireworks, where runners of all ages took to the 3.1-mile course in support of next year’s fireworks display. This year’s overall winner was Henry Whitney, who crossed the finish line first. Gabriella Pagano was the first female finisher and placed second overall, followed by Calum Nichols in third place.

Later in the morning, crowds lined Main Street for the annual Red Suspender Weekend Parade, which stepped off from Galeton Area School at 11 a.m. The parade featured colorful floats, antique tractors and vehicles, emergency response units, horseback riders, community organizations, and musical performances, drawing enthusiastic applause from spectators along the route.

Parade judges recognized several standout participants:

Best Float: 1st – McCutcheon Construction; 2nd – Galeton Parks & Recreation
Best Animal: 1st – Snay’s Family Horses; 2nd – Northern Tier K9 Rescue Dogs
Best Music: 1st – Mr. Mody & Friends; 2nd – Sidehill Moodys
Best Antique Vehicle/Tractor: 1st – Dennis Findley’s Tractor; 2nd – Bill Lechler’s Model A
Best Firetruck/Emergency Vehicle: 1st – Crary Hose Department 5; 2nd – Genesee Department 37

Parade organizers also thanked participants for their patience after the Brooklyn United Drumline was delayed by a traffic accident and detour. Although the group arrived after the parade had reached its conclusion, many attendees were still able to enjoy their performance later in John J. Collins Park.

Following the parade, the celebration continued in the park as carnival rides reopened at noon alongside vendor booths offering handmade crafts, festival favorites, and family activities.

The celebration concluded Saturday night with a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m., illuminating the night sky and providing a fitting finale to another successful Red Suspender Weekend.