Festivities for the little ones

With a name like “Independence” it is hard to believe that our town did not have an established Fourth of July parade to call its own until 2002 when a group of neighbors on Historic South Main Street organized and instituted the very first “Let Freedom Ring” kids’ parade. 
In the initial days, the band of tikes walking, bicycling, scooting, and being pulled and pushed in strollers and wagons was small but represented the creation of something that was sorely missing in Independence. 
With the passage of time, participants in the first parade have grown up. Some of them are too old to be excited by the promise of a Bomb Pop at the end of the trail, others have gone on to college and are off on new adventures, but the spirit of the “Let Freedom Ring” parade remains firmly intact as a reason to celebrate the nation’s independence in the historically rich town that bears the meaningful moniker.
Proving that the plan was perfect from the beginning, the format of the parade has not changed over the last seven years. Speaking from my own experience, July 4 is not the ideal holiday for younger children who are often snug in their beds by the time the nighttime festivities of fireworks get under way. The kids’ parade lets little ones and their families show their patriotism at a time of day that is suitable and doesn’t interfere with the picnics and parties that take place in the evening hours.
Kids and families will meet today at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Immanuel Baptist Church on the corner of Main Street and 23rd Street with the parade stepping off at 10. Boy Scout Troop 216 from South Crysler Restoration Branch will carry the color guard, and Roy Timberman will act as the motorcycle escort. 
Participants in the promenade up Main Street to the Truman Statue are encouraged to dress in the red, white and blue and decorate their bikes, trikes, scooters, wagons, and strollers with streamers and flags showing off their American pride. Many riders and walkers enhance the stroll by ringing bells as they pass by.
Square merchants will add to the morning’s activities by passing out treats and inviting children to join in face painting at Primary Colors and cookie decorating hosted by Gilbert and Whitney. The traditional Bomb Pops that have become a staple of the event will be furnished by Clinton’s Soda Fountain.
Children and adults of all ages are welcome to join in the fun and festive parade. For additional information, contact this year’s parade organizer Muriel Luedeman at 254-8456.