The Chair Thing.. (From catonsvillecelebrations.org)

Catonsville residents are passionate about their July 4th traditions and getting a great seat to view the parade is certainly one of them. Approximately one week before the parade, chairs begin to appear on Frederick Road as neighbors stake out the curbs and grassy areas along the parade route. Using tarps, wooden stakes, caution tape, and every chair type imaginable, determined residents choose prime spots and often return to the same area year after year. By July 3rd, thousands of chairs are positioned between the 1000 to 1600 block of Frederick Road, ready for the best parade in Maryland.

That's one view... or, could it be a case of community "ants in the pants" and indicitive of something larger about living in 21228? Is it really patriotic pride that motivates this behavior or is it a status thing? It begins earlier & earlier each year. I dunno. I just think its weird.