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When ‘Anything Goes’ dries up

“Over the past 62 years, Glen Arbor’s Fourth of July parade has become well-known for its ‘anything goes’ spirit. This approach is a point of local pride for many, encouraging the patriotic participation that has transformed a small-town procession into a northern Michigan tradition unlike any other,” writes Trace St. Julian in this op-ed for the Sun. “However, in 2023, the Glen Arbor Township Board broke away from the ‘anything goes’ tradition, announcing a ‘no water’ rule that bans long-time parade hallmarks of ‘water guns, blasters, balloons, bottles, or other water items.’ Fast forward to 2025—the water ban is still in effect, and the Township Board appears more determined than ever to enforce it.”

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Kazoo Corps returns to Glen Arbor Fourth of July parade

Glen Arbor’s celebrated Fourth of July parade—proudly an “anything goes” fete for 60 years—has a few rules and structure now. But not too much will change. In late founder Stan Brubaker’s absence, the Glen Arbor Township will manage the parade, which lines up in Glen Haven and leaves for Glen Arbor at noon. Water guns, cannons and water balloons won’t be allowed this year. “People have complained in the past, and we’re getting rid of things that can hurt little kids or make older people wet. Getting creamed in the head by a water balloon you weren’t expecting is no fun, especially when you’re 75 years old.” Glen Arbor’s iconic citizen kazoo corps returns to the Fourth of July parade this year, following a three-year hiatus prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Glen Arbor Fourth of July Parade organizer Stan Brubaker dies

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Stan Brubaker, the unofficial organizer and grand marshal selector for Glen Arbor’s “anything goes” Fourth of July parade, died on Monday, March 6, at age 95 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. According to his daughter Kristi, longtime family friend and former Glen Lake fire chief John DePuy will take over parade duties. This will be the 60th year of the parade.

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Who’s the boss: the people’s July 4 parade

Meet Stan Brubaker: Glen Havenite, husband to Jo, father of four children, dog rescuer. There may be more to his CV, but not this: Under no circumstances is Stan Brubaker the boss of the Glen Arbor July 4th parade. “Nobody has a title,” he said. “Nobody’s in charge.”

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Glen Arbor Fourth of July parade celebrates 50 years

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The Glen Arbor Fourth of July parade, which next Thursday will celebrate half a century of annual patriotic celebrations, has come a long way since fire trucks were wrapped in primitive, spray-painted bedsheets. This year’s parade leaves Glen Haven at noon and typically arrives in Glen Arbor around 12:30. Spectators are encouraged to stake out a spot by mid-morning, as this event attracts hordes of people.

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