Before the parade kicked off, Mayor Lewis Passarell read a proclamation sent down by Senator George Maziarz in honor of Holley's sesquicentennial.

The New Jersey Raiders marching band participated in the parade.

This float carried a birthday cake for the village.

The Village of Holley celebrated its 150th birthday in a big way August 4. The event-filled day included an historical fashion show, music by various bands, a chicken barbecue and a spaghetti dinner.

Planning for this village wide event began back in early February when committees were formed, historical records were researched and the big celebratory bash was conceived.

Holley officials decided to celebrate the anniversary of the incorporation of the village.

Marching bands came from across the United States to participate in the evening's giant parade and one of Holley's own, Ray Shahin, came home to muster the troops for an alumni reunion of the Holley Hawks. Shahin started the school's first marching band in the 1950s and led them for 12 years. Under his tutelage and guidance the band brought home six state championship titles.

Before the parade kicked off, Mayor Lewis Passarell read a proclamation sent down by Senator George Maziarz in honor of Holley's sesquicentennial. The proclamation stated, in part, "the Village of Holley owes its existence to the canal ... before the canal was completed, the spot where Holley now stands was comprised of acres of trees."

Maziarz' proclamation went on to read, "Holley has withstood the ebb and flow of growth and continues to provide change, growth and a rich history for its residents."

Holley's first settlers took up residence in 1812 and the village took its name from Myron Holley, one of the original canal commissioners.

Following the mayor's reading of the proclamation, dozens of balloons were released into the air, as the parade got underway.

Sesquicentennial royalty, Queen Dominique Seldon, Princess Trinity Cook and Duchess Kelsey Wilson rode in the parade.

Passarell commended the event planning committee for all the hours and effort they put into making the day a success.

"Everything was fantastic, right down to the final detail," he said. "Holley also has our own living legend, Ray Shahin, back to play in our parade."

Passarell said he was proud to be able to be the mayor during such an auspicious time in the village's history. "I'm proud of the village and the way it came together for this event," he said.