Patriotic music. Streamers. Horses. Marching bands. Floats. Cheering crowds. These are all things that we think about when we think about Fourth of July parades. Words like patriotism, freedom, liberty and revolution also come to mind. As Independence Day draws closer, we can't help but be reminded of all of these things plus many more. That time of year is quickly approaches and many people find themselves excited at the very idea of another Fourth of July parade. They are a wonderful way to celebrate this important occasion. Cities and towns all over America hold their own parades to commemorate this glorious day in our history.

Edmond, Oklahoma is a great place to celebrate Independence Day. In fact, both CNN and USA Today selected this city, just north of Oklahoma City, as one of the ten best places to be in America on July 4, 2008. The Fourth of July is the last day of LibertyFest, a week long celebration of our freedom. Edmond will host Oklahoma's largest hometown parade. There are over 100 entries in this years parade.

Haines, Oregon is having an "Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade. The theme this year is "Flags and Folklore." There will be trophies and ribbons awarded in several different categories including mounted entries, animal-drawn entries, antique car entries, and antique machinery entries.

The Fourth of July parade, "Celebrating Our Community Ohio," of Anderson Township, Ohio, will start it's parade at 11 a.m. It is estimated to last about an hour and a half. Approximately ninety different groups will participate this year. Over 10,000 people attended the parade last year.

Seward, Alaska is also having a parade. About 40,000 people are expected to attend this Fourth of July parade. This is quite an accomplishment, considering the population of Seward is only about 2,500. Main Street will be completely blocked off for this year's parade. The majority of the businesses and organizations in this small town will enter a float in the parade. Surprisingly, the fireworks display will not be later that evening. The fireworks take place on minute after midnight the morning of Independence Day on the waterfront.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, adds a twist to it's Fourth of July parade. It is known as the "Midnight Independence Day Parade." It is the only parade in America that starts at midnight. It is also known to be one of the most multi-colored and patriotic parades. As well it should be; it honors four

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