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The parade typically begins at 10 a.m. July 4 each year, however, since July 4 falls on a Sunday this year, organizers have changed the parade's start time to 12:15 p.m. so as not to interfere with the church plans of people who plan to watch or participate in the parade, co-organizer Margaret Humphrey said.
"When it falls on Sunday we have it after church hours," she said. "It's usually a smaller crowd but it still goes on."
People of all ages march each year in the parade, which normally features marchers, bikes and strollers, decorated dogs, a horse and tractor, costumed characters, motorcycles, cars, synchronized lawnmower teams, and other unusual entries. Patricipants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue to celebrate the patriotic holiday. Everyone who attends may participate in the parade or observe the parade from the yards of Burke Street residents.
"Most of the time there are more people in the parade than spectators," Humphrey said.
Participants will gather at the corner of 10th and Burke streets, and the 15-minute parade will follow a route south to Marblecrest Drive, then turn north on Horton Street to Marblecrest Terrace, and then turn west to follow Marblecrest Terrace back to Burke Street where it will end at the home of J.D. Ettore and his wife, Sarah, 1123 S. Burke St.
Participants and parade watchers will then be able to socialize and enjoy refreshments at the Ettore's home.
To kick off the parade, local resident Phil Hammons will lead the group in the singing of patriotic music to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
Humphrey said she and co-organizer Teresa Bahr have carried on the tradition of the parade each year since local resident Susan Foster originated the idea for the event nearly 30 years ago. Occasionally, Foster will make an appearance in the parade wearing a tutu and twirling a baton, Humphrey said.
The parade will only be canceled in the event of torrential rain or if severe weather threatens the area the day of the parade. The parade has only been canceled twice due to inclement weather since its inception, Humphrey said.
Humphrey added that organizers are accepting donations of cookies from anyone in the community for the event.
For more information, contact Humphrey at (620) 223-0388, or Bahr at 223-1582.
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I did not know they had something like this going on, I grew up on Burke St., if they it next year I will have to come home to see it.