Neighborhood Parade

Our neighborhood is lucky enough to be surrounded by so many wonderful families. Every summer our community holds a 4th of July parade in which the children are able to decorate their bikes, wagons and scooters and march down the road to show their patriotism. What better way to create a sense of pride about their home town, and instill in them the love for our country. Here are some tips on creating your own 4th of July parade.

• Send an evite out to your group 
• Set the time of event avoiding midday to escape hot temperatures
• Choose one meeting place to gather the families who all come adorned in red white and blue. Encourage children to decorate themselves and mode of transportation
• Ask for volunteers to provide kids with simple face/arm painting, flags etc.
• Choose a route, preferably sidewalks for the parade to march.  Choose a leader to guide the group
• You can involve elderly residents best by asking them to be judges of best decorated bike etc or funniest attire. 
• Pass out party hats and noise makers to children
• A bull horn can be used by the leader and a battery operated Cd player can be used to play music while marching.
• Once the parade has finished gather at the decided upon meeting place and hand out prizes for parade winers.  Examples can be bubbles, popsicles and small trinkets. 

For more examples on 4th of july festivities check out http://familyfun.go.com/4th-of-july/patriotic-parade-wear/