Spotless and polished vintage cars led Laurel's Independence Day parade July 4, stretching for several blocks as the drivers idled and gassed from Montgomery to Fourth Street.

And on the field at Granville Gude Park, several dozen more cars were already on display in what was the largest vintage car show hosted by the Laurel Fourth of July Committee.

The parade also featured city, county and state politicians, gearing up for the 2010 elections, and many young T-shirt-wearing supporters, throwing Frisbees and handing out promotional items emblazoned with a politician's name and title.

Fire and rescue vehicles, young Scouts and leaders, several American Legion units and business and community groups also appeared, waving and throwing candy to observers who lined the sidewalks and curbs.

Laurel Police Lt. Carl DeWalt escorted Janet Stallings, a Special Olympics athlete who won several medals in this year's contest and received one of the Judges' Awards given to parade participants.

But the hit of the parade, as usual, was the West Laurel Rag Tag Band, marching in those wacky hats that have become their icon and adding a patriotic soundtrack to the parade.

Parade winners

Most outstanding overall: American Legion Post 60 units

Ted Metzger Memorial Award: Cub Scout Pack 1673 of West Laurel

Dick Bromley Special Award: Walsh Insurance Co.

Jim Blumenshine Award: Laurel Mill Playhouse

Walter H. Allen Memorial Award: Hurricanes football and cheerleading

Best appearing fire department: Laurel Volunteer Fire Department

Best appearing rescue squad: Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad

Best retired antique fire apparatus: Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department

Best appearing commercial business vehicle: Win Kelly GM Super Store of Clarksville

Best appearing float: Laurel Historical Society

Judges' Awards: West Laurel Rag Tag Band; Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department; Cherry Lane Boxing and Youth Fitness; Laurel Boys and Girls Club poms; Special Olympian Janet Stallings

Field game winners

Sack Race (under 10)
First Place:  Newton Davis
Second Place:  Kirk Hawkins
Third Place:  Taleyah Brown

Sack Race (10-15)
First Place:  Zoe Sheppard
Second Place:  Bryan Overton
Third Place:  Brillaiey Davis

Sack Race (16 and up)
First Place:  Princess Butler and Christina Beltler
Second Place:  Nick Davis
Third Place:  Talece Brown

Water Balloon Toss (Under 10)
First Place:  Victor Littles and Joseph Nedbalk
Second Place:  Carissa Forrey and Cambria Zimmerman
Third Place:  Amber Dabler and Michael McGraw

Water Balloon Toss (10-15)
First Place: Christian Schembari and Marie LaValle
Second Place:  Janelle Zimmerman and Danielle Forrey
Third Place:  Ayreoni Tooles and Cai Tooles

Water Balloon Toss (16 and up)
First Place:  Rodney Wood and Talece Brown
Second Place:  Aaron Tooles and Steve LaValle
Third Place:  Sharon McGraw and Mike McGraw

Wheelbarrow Race (Under 10)
First Place:  Andrea Bamfo and Kwabena Bamfo
Second Place:  Christian Schembari and Michael McGraw
Third Place:  Carson Reed and Zakee Wheatley

Wheelbarrow Race (10-15)
First Place: Cody Sullivan and Jason Durlewanger
Second Place:  Marie LaValle and Chris Frank
Third Place:  Danielle Forrey and Janelle Zimmerman

Wheelbarrow Race (16 and up)
First Place:  Brittany Sewell and Michael Gibson
Second Place:  Diane Simu and Simbo Famure
Third Place:  Rodney Wood and Terlece Brown

Hula Hoop (Under 10)
First lace:  Grant McDonald
Second Place:  Carissa Forrey
Third Place:  Michael McGraw

Hula Hoop (10-15)
First Place:  Shannon Landen
Second Place:  Danielle Forrey
Third Place:  Nalima Sesay

Hula Hoop (16+)
First Place:  Kirsten Budd
Second Place:  Diane Simu
Third Place:  Jennifer McDonald

Relay Race (Under 10)
First Place:  Carson Reed and Zakee Wheatley
Second Place:  Christian Schembari and Michael McGraw
Third Place:  Jauvon Kemp and Wayne Major

Relay Race (10-15)
First Place:  Amanda Reed and Sharron Sellner
Second Place:  Jhoan Alvarado and Chris Frank
Third Place:  Danielle Forrey and Janelle Zimmerman

Relay Race (16+)
First Place:  Talece Brown and Rodney Wood
Second Place:  Kasia Wheatley and Princess Butler
Third Place:  Tricia Snyder and Andriene McCorkle

Lollipop Scramble (4 and up)
First Place:  Blake David
Second Place:  Kyrah Wheatley
Third Place:  Gabriel Kener

Horseshoes (singles)
First Place:  Chris Scovitch Sr.
Second Place:  William Poole
Third Place:  Kama Hoe

Horseshoes (doubles)
First Place:  Frank Trimble and Joe Campbell
Second Place:  Brother Adam and Kama Hoe
Third Place:  Mike Dabler and Allen Lanigley

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