Longtime volunteers to lead Springfield parade
According to a news release from the committee, Jerome Oakes and Regina Armstrong both grew up in the town of Springfield but the two had not met until July 4, 1976 at Springfield's bicentennial celebration of America's Declaration of Independence.
In 1980, they were wed at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Springfield Center. According to the couple, they have always been happy to remain in Springfield, "a place they consider beautiful and peaceful, and where they have both found satisfaction in service to their community," the release stated.
Jerome Oakes is a veteran of the Vietnam War and recipient of a Purple Heart medal and other awards of distinction. He is a member of the Richfield Springs American Legion, the Cooperstown VFW and the Utica DAV.
An active Boy Scout in his youth, Jerome achieved the rank of Star Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow and the Explorers. When the Oakes' twin boys were young, Jerome assisted the Cub Scout troop and coached Little League and T-ball teams.
He has been a volunteer fireman in the Springfield Fire Department for 54 years and served as an EMS volunteer for nine years, according to the release.
He is the superintendent of Springfield Cemetery, where he is responsible for managing burials, repairing and leveling headstones, excavating cremation plots, selling plots, and assisting with funeral arrangements. He places flags on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day, a service he extends to nearby cemeteries, the release stated.
He also serves as custodian at the Springfield Community Center and traditionally carries the flag for the Springfield Fire Department's marching unit in the Fourth of July Parade, "as well as fulfilling many other supportive roles around the event," according to the release.
Regina Oakes had a 47-year career at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. As a certified pharmacy technician, she primarily worked at the Cancer Center. Shortly after retiring, she returned to assist during the COVID pandemic, according to the release.
For several summers, after completing shifts at the hospital, Regina spent her evenings working at the Cooperstown Dreams Park.
She currently serves as an elected member of the Springfield Town Council, bringing almost 16 years of experience to the council, the release stated. She can often be found at the Springfield Community Center overseeing events and leading senior exercise programs and community pickleball, or at the Springfield Landing, where she manages boat slips and park passes.
She spearheaded the clean-up and restoration of the old school cafeteria at the community center and launched the Springfield Community Kitchen in the fall of 2023, the release stated. The luncheons held at the center are planned, cooked and served by Regina, assisted by a staff of volunteers. The program is completely supported by community donations.
Regina has been an active member of the Springfield Fire Department Auxiliary for 13 years. She also organizes the Springfield Fourth of July Committee's chicken barbecue.
"The committee is pleased to honor their dedication and celebrate their positive impact on the community during this year's parade," the release stated.
The parade will commence its 111th year at 11 a.m. Friday, July 4 in the hamlet of Springfield Center. This year's parade theme celebrates "We the People." The parade will end at the Springfield Community Center, where a celebration will be held.
The festivities will feature music by the Camden Continentals Fife and Drum Corps and the Cooperstown Community Band, Brooks' chicken barbecue, homemade pie, the Springfield Historical Society Open House, children's games, raffles and more. Free parade parking is available at the community center.
An evening concert and fireworks display will take place at Glimmerglass State Park, with music by local rock band Scattered Flurries starting at 7:30 p.m. , to be followed by fireworks at dusk.
At 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6, the Glimmerglass Festival will present the 2025 Springfield Appreciation Concert, featuring musical selections from the festival's upcoming 50th anniversary season.
Tickets for the concert ($5 each) and Springfield Fourth of July T-shirts ($15 each) are available at Convenience Corner, at the intersection of state Route 80 and U.S. Route 20 in Springfield Center. All proceeds support Springfield's Fourth of July events.
For more information, look for the Springfield 4th of July Parade and Celebration on Facebook, email springfield.july4@gmail.com, or call (315)858-0304.
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