Every event needs a focal point and The Kirkwood July Fourth Parade has the larger-than-life flag in the middle of a road named Independence! This scene on Independence Road in Greensboro's Kirkwood neighborhood has been reenacted for sixty three years. Anyone can don a red, white, & blue outfit and participate. Yesterday, children on vehicles of all sorts--bicycles, wagons, trucks, tricycles, and even stilts-- rode along passing under the giant FLAG.
Every year, the parade gets a little more elaborate while remaining consistently informal. This year The Honorable Howard Coble was in attendance, Robbie Perkins was handing out bottled water, and the floats of the Guilford County Republican Party brought a little bit of politics to the parade. The sense of family, neighborliness, and camaraderie was evident and more treats were tossed to onlookers than in most city parades. The five o'clock time slot was just perfect, allowing families to enjoy the Fun Fourth festivities downtown in the morning and fireworks at the coliseum/amphitheater in the evening. For those who were too tired to venture out at night, there was plenty of backyard sparkler twirling to bring closure to the festive day.
I can see that you've been busy! As the flag hangs rather low - did anybody ever get entangled in it while passing by?
Posted by: Katja Brown | Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at 05:52 AM
Priceless! This photo is an excellent representation of 4th of July. Hope you had a fun weekend!
Posted by: Ken | Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Katja, the flag is really higher than it appears. Tall men and even fire trucks drove under it with ease. I wish we knew the actual dimensions. Yes, we made the parade, Kirkwood, and the fireworks at the Coliseum as well. We even managed to fit going out to lunch and a few other events in between. Greensboro was a fun playground all day long yesterday.
Great to start our day with comments by Katja and Ken!
Posted by: Janis | Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at 07:51 AM
Such a great 4th of July photo! I love the BIG flag and the VW Bug loaded with parade riders!
Posted by: Leif Hagen | Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at 08:12 AM
What a great time (and tradition) for your community. That flag is huge.
Posted by: barb farr | Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at 09:32 AM
This is the most adorable parade ever! Reminds me of something that the Little Rascals would have participated in. Informal parades are the best!
Posted by: Rachel | Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Nice festival! Love the fourth, it's such a fun holiday.
PS: I am sending this comment from the comfort of my sofa on my very own internet connection!!!
Posted by: Halcyon | Tuesday, July 05, 2011 at 02:56 PM