A lighted, portable sign towed behind a van for the Madison County 4H Fair entry erupted in flames while parked in a lot at the northwest corner of Sixth and Main streets. Luckily, however, Richland Township volunteers firefighters, who were taking part in the parade, were only a block behind the blaze and were able to extinguish it within a few minutes. The sign was heavily damaged, however.

Richland Firefighter Nate Ginley said a gasoline generator used to power the sign began leaking fuel and likely sparked the fire.

“The fuel got hot while leaking, and we think it started that way,” Ginley said. “We got it out, and the parade will go on.”

And indeed it did. The 4H van was able to continue in the parade, but without its sign.

Anderson attorney Paul Baylor took a brief break from what’s been a four-year tradition — hosting an annual party at his law office at 1000 Main St. — to take part in the parade. Baylor and four other fellow masons with Fellowship Lodge 681 F&AM marched the route.

“This is a parade that’s not just for the elite,” Baylor said. “It’s for everyone. And I think it reflects America and that’s what makes it great.”