Exactly 50 years ago, on July 1, 1976, The Germantown Press published its special red, white and blue edition to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial.

The annual July 4th parade, which featured 40 floats, was led by marshals Virginia Anslinger, a former teacher, Sheldon Conover, a WWI veteran born in 1895 and 12-year-old Teri Von Blon, who earned her spot by creating the event’s theme, “Happy Birthday America.”

Germantown’s 1976 festivities featured a queen, Anna Pasquel, who presided over a week full of activities.

The schedule of events included a car show, a church choirs performance, pioneer games, a costume contest and a history presentation. On the 4th, there was the parade, two minutes of bell-ringing at 2pm and a fireworks display at Spartan Stadium.

Scheduled as part of the opening ceremony, but happening later due to delays, the City turned out to greet the Washington State Relay Bicentennial Runners who were on a trek to Washington, D.C. Germantown Mayor Marvin Hall greeted each runner and passed along a proclamation from the City to be shared with President Ford.

The City also used the celebration of America’s history to review Germantown’s own past and celebrate its progress.

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