GRAFTON — As they made their way down North Street, parade-goers were in for a welcome surprise named Scott Rossiter. The longtime Grafton resident was posted at the end of Stonewall Drive, right next to all the action.
Rossiter was armed with a 5-gallon Home Depot bucket filled with water, a foam water blaster, and impeccable aim. From the sidewalk, he sprayed those participating in the parade — avoiding, of course, those situated in an automobile or who just preferred to stay dry.
“People looked like they needed a drink of water,” said Rossiter.
The cool-off was mostly welcome, as the parade-goers made the 0.8-mile trek in the 90-degree heat. Though it was toasty outside, Grafton’s Fourth of July Parade was more popular than ever, with more than 40 vehicles participating in the event’s fifth year.
The parade started as something much smaller: Organizer Justin Stone and others wanted to give children an opportunity to decorate their bikes. That didn’t happen — at least not right away — but several community members were interested in doing floats…