'Miss G' to Again Lead Nazareth's July 4th Kazoo Parade

If you want to watch a routine holiday parade this Independence Day, steer clear of Nazareth.

Why?

Because before the barbecues and family gatherings, the annual July 4th Kazoo Parade -- now in its eighth year -- will march through downtown historic Nazareth.

That's right. A kazoo parade.

In an 1895 Montgomery Ward catalog, kazoos are described as a "great musical wonder" that anyone can play. This remains true a mere 117 years later.

The parade, hosted by the , kicks off at  at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4, and members of the public are invited to participate.

Marchers will be divided into groups and each will be assigned patriotic songs to play on their kazoos, which will be provided by  for those who don't have a kazoo of their own.

The 2012 parade will again be led by the kazoo lady herself: Grand Marshal Abbe Graber, also known as “Miss G."

"Miss G" has played kazoos for more than 30 years and sells wooden kazoos -- made by her own hands -- through her company, Woodstock Wooden Kazoo.

Gruber's stable of celebrity clients include John Sebastian, Wavy Gravy, Pete Seeger and Aaron Neville, according to her company's website.

Local elected officials will greet marchers and the patriotic sounds coming from their kazoos in front of Nazareth Borough Council Chambers at the end of the parade route.

Patriotic entertainment will be provided by Lehigh Valley Idol and The Dream Kids.

Wednesday's Parade Route: From Nazareth Area High School, marchers will turn up S. Liberty Street and then make a right onto Belvidere Street. From there, they will head to Main Street, make a right toward Center Square, march halfway around the circle, turn right onto W. Center Street and, finally, end at council chambers, 159 W. Center St.