Photos courtesy of Fort Detrick Visual Information Services Maj. Gen. James Gilman, commander of USAMRMC, waves to the crowds along Carroll during the Creek Great Frederick Float July 3. The float kicked off the city’s Independence Day celebrations.

Events kicked off with the Great Frederick Float July 3, a parade of boats, canoes, kayaks and rafts through downtown Frederick on Carroll Creek.

In addition to the parade, the day offered children’s activities, music, dancing, food, and more.

Float contestants had to get down Carroll Creek in any non motorized device, decorated in red, white and blue to symbolize the weekend.

This year, USAMRMC commander Maj. Gen. James Gilman served as Grand Marshall. Accompanied by Uncle Sam, Gilman and with two noncommissioned officers, Sgt. 1st Class Brett Long and Staff Sgt. Stephanie McLain of USAMRIID, rowing, Gilman and Sam led the flotilla through a cheering crowd.

The floats were ranged from a homemade rafts to tricked out paddle boats; with participants including a meat packing company with a rubber chicken, local political hopefuls throwing candy to the crowd and merchants showing off their wares. All were decorated and everyone, especially the kids seemed to enjoy the show. At the end of the day, votes were tallied for the best boat and prizes were awarded for the best nonprofit category, best business and family.

Attendees sat on the side of the creek dangling their feet, eating ice cream and waiting for that one boat throwing candy.

July 4th, Frederick city and county and Maryland state representatives gathered with Fort Detrick leaders for the 2nd Annual Frederick Military Family Community Covenant signing at the Baker Park Bandshell.

The Army Community Covenant is designed to foster community partnerships to improve quality of life for servicemen and family members here in Frederick.

Covenants have been signed in military host communities like Frederick throughout Maryland and the nation.

Since Frederick is the home of Fort Detrick with more than 8,000 employees including 1,300 service-members and their families, the event highlighted programs, incentives, and discounts provided to service-members and families.

Signatories included Dr. George Lewis, Fort Detrick Alliance; Col. Judith Robinson, Fort Detrick garrison commander; Jan Gardner, president, Frederick County BOCC; Maryland State Senator Alex Mooney; Frederick mayor Jeff Holtzinger, ; Maj. Gen. James Gilman, commander USAMRMC.

The signing was the kickoff for Frederick’s Fourth festivities, including bands, food and fireworks.