Joan and Ron Hildreth on their float. Ron and Joan Hildreth of Montauk and Garden City were surprised this 4th of July by their children and grandchildren with a "Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary" float in the Southhampton Parade. The Hildreth family came to America in 1635 and settled in Southhampton in 1842. Ron and Joan have summered in Montauk since 1962.

Every year on the 4th of July they have brought their children and now grandchildren to enjoy the parade, all wearing matching red Hildreth Family T-shirts, and proudly sitting in front of Hildreth's Department Store holding a red Hildreth family banner.

This year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows in New York City at St. Patrick's Cathedral. The family chose to surprise Ron and Joan with a float in the parade, the greatest present they could ever receive.

This year's Southhampton Parade theme was "What America Means To Me." If you were to ask Ron and Joan what America means to them they would say, "Attending the 4th of July Southhampton Parade and preserving the family unit!" The float was awarded a trophy by the judges.

The Hildreths were surprised with their "Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary" float at the annual July 4th Southhampton parade.