The Brew Fish took home the “Best in Parade” prize and the Marion VFW officially passed the torch at the town of Marion’s Fourth of July parade this year.

The VFW, which will disband in a few months due to low membership, worked in collaboration with the town for the first time to organize the parade.

“Donna Hemphill and Jody Dickerson were instrumental,” VFW member and parade organizer Rodney Hunt said.

Hemphill, who works on the Conservation Committee, said there were 75 to 80 entrants for this year’s parade, and for each entry there were multiple people involved.

Local residents acted as judges to choose the top four entries in 13 different categories, including the overall best float.

“It’s a real competition,” Hunt said. “You get bragging rights for another year.”

The parade had floats from tri-town businesses, Girl Scout troops, Cub Scout troops, recreation leagues and individual residents who wanted to showcase their vintage cars and tractors.

One of the 19 tractors that participated in the parade belonged to Dave Rawcliffe, who brought his 1953 tractor from New Bedford to ride in the parade.

“I’ve been doing this parade for ten to twelve years,” he said. “I think I’m the only person from New Bedford who has eight tractors.”

On top of the many participants in the parade, hundreds of people came out to watch and celebrate with the town as well.

"It's just a great event," Hemphill said.