Some Irked by “Redneck” Parade Theme

SALEM, N.Y. (AP) — You might be a redneck if you don't object to a rural upstate New York town's theme for its annual Fourth of July parade.

But some people around Salem aren't amused by parade organizers' decision to go with "Redneck Summer" for this year's theme.

The volunteer fire department stages the annual holiday parade in Salem, a farming community located on the Vermont border 40 miles northeast of Albany.

One organizer tells The Post-Star of Glens Falls the number of groups participating had decreased, so they decided on the redneck theme to "spice it up a little bit."

A few people have objected, including Mary Greene. She calls the theme "disturbing" and says redneck doesn't have a good connotation. And she's aghast that groups will be vying for the best redneck float.

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