submitted by Dave Theriault
The Berlin July 4th Parade Committee has chosen “Americana” for the theme of the 2016 Independence Day Parade. According to most definitions, the word Americana refers to the history, geography, folklore and cultural heritage of the United States. [private]There are certain kinds of objects, icons and images that fall within the definition of Americana: paintings (think Grandma Moses); prints and drawings; vehicles and other conveyance (think Model T); household objects; tools and weapons; flags and statues (think Lady Liberty), and so on. Both patriotism and nostalgia play defining roles in the subject of Americana, although the objects or concepts involved need not be limited to historically important or antique things (think Wright Flyer), but need to have the appropriate associations with our uniquely American culture (think Space Shuttle).
From the mid through late 20th Century, Americana was largely associated with nostalgia for an idealized life in small towns and cities (think blacksmith and barbershop) around the turn of the century. As time passes, Americana will surely include objects and images of the 21st Century, and no doubt nostalgia for “the good old days” of 2016. Please join us in exploring what Americana means to you by entering a float in the July 4th Parade. The parade kicks off at 11 am on Monday, July 4, at the Berlin Elementary School.[/private]