The deadline for applications to join the Bel Air Independence Day Parade has been extended to June 20, the Bel Air Independence Day Committee announced Monday.

Committee members said in a press release it is still seeking more floats, marching units, antique cars and comic/novelty acts to join "the area's biggest and best Fourth of July celebration."

The press release notes that "local businesses and organizations can be part of the fun as well, with their own entry appearing in front of tens of thousands lining the parade route through downtown Bel Air."

The parade theme for 2011 is "Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue." Entrants are encouraged to decorate or craft their entry to illustrate or embody that theme.

"We've been hearing from a lot of organizations that they still need a few days to get their plans together, so we decided to help them by extending the deadline to Monday, June 20," parade chairman Michael Blum said in the press release.

Contacted Tuesday by phone, Blum acknowledged there has been a decline in applications to march or enter floats in the parade over the past few years, and this year has been no exception. But, he added, a number of phone inquiries in recent days about entering prompted him to extend the deadline.

"We have many faithful organizations and groups that participate every year, but we are always looking for new people, groups and businesses to participate," he said.

To fill out an online application to join the Bel Air Independence Day Parade, click on http://www.belairjuly4.org/innerpages/contact.html.

Full rules and regulations governing parade entries are available at http://www.belairjuly4.org/innerpages/paraderules.html.

For more information on joining the Bel Air July 4 Parade, visit belairjuly4.org, call 410-879-4245 or find the Bel Air Independence Day Committee on Facebook or on Twitter @belairjuly4.