Carlie Ulman, 18, of Thetford, Vt., left, Emily Poghio, 17, of West Fairlee, Vt., and Katelyn Ulman, 13, of Thetford, throw candy from the back of Carlie and Katelyn's grandfather's truck during the annual Thetford Labor Day parade in Post Mills, Vt., on September 1, 2014. (Valley News - Ariana van den Akker) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.
Carlie Ulman, 18, of Thetford, Vt., left, Emily Poghio, 17, of West Fairlee, Vt., and Katelyn Ulman, 13, of Thetford, throw candy from the back of Carlie and Katelyn's grandfather's truck during the annual Thetford Labor Day parade in Post Mills, Vt., on September 1, 2014. (Valley News - Ariana van den Akker) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Credit: Valley News — Ariana van den Akker

Post Mills — You never know who’s going to show up, and what they’re going to show up in.

That’s part of the appeal of Post Mills’ annual Labor Day Parade. Billed as the oldest-running Labor Day parade in the state, the event — which also includes a barbecue and flea market — has been going for more than 35 years, organizers Marydan and Mike Pomeroy said. 

The event, which runs from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Labor Day, used to be hosted by the fire department. About four years ago, residents too it over.

“A bunch of community members decided to get together … and are keeping the tradition alive,” said Marydan Pomeroy. “I like the community atmosphere, catching up with people I haven’t seen for the summer or in a long time.”

The parade doesn’t have a theme and participants aren’t required to sign up ahead of time.

“It’s always fun to see who shows up in the parade,” Mike Pomeroy said. “The mystery of who’s going to be in it adds to the fun of it.”

Anybody can be in the parade; participants do not need to live in Post Mills or Thetford to take part in it.

The couple, who have been married for 25 years and operate Baker’s General Store, also participate in the parade.

Marydan Pomeroy usually rides in a vehicle where she tosses out candy and holds up an old campaign sign that reads “I like Mike.”

Mike Pomeroy’s location is usually a little more secret, but he’s easy to spot.

“You never quite know what he’s going to show up on in his straw hat,” Marydan Pomeroy said.

Editor’s note: Line-up for the parade is at 10:30 a.m. in Kinne’s field, west of Baker’s General Store (7788 Route 113).

Vendors also do not need to register in advance. They can pay $15 for a spot on a field across from the Post Mills Airport.

Nate Pero, chief of the Koasek band of the Abenaki, will be manning the barbecue. There is no cost to attend the parade and barbecue food will be available for purchase. For more information, call 802-785-2539.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.

Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.