FREEPORT — Locals and visitors crowded Main Street in Freeport this morning for the annual July 4th parade, an eclectic procession of jazz bands, neighborhood troupes, vintage vehicles, public safety equipment and a giant boot.

Beneath a brilliant sun, crowds lined the street three and four people deep to join in the small-town celebration. Children waved flags and many onlookers dressed up in their brightest red, white and blue.

For Paul Landry and his son William, the parade is the traditional kickoff for the July 4th weekend, to be followed up by whoopie pies and a cookout.

“We’ve been coming every year for 11 years,” Paul Landry said.

The parade included perennial favorites like the Freeport Flag ladies, the police honor guard and L.L. Bean’s signature duck boot float.

The award for best neighborhood float went to the East Freeport Oar House, an elaborately costumed, if somewhat unrefined drill team, armed with oars and salty spirit. The trophy seemed appropriate – a 1922 Bates Manufacturing bowling trophy, picked up for $8 at a yard sale.