For a number of kids at the Kingsville Parade Monday, the theme for the afternoon was flags, floats and candy.
For others the parade meant a celebration of community and freedom.
"It's our first year doing the parade," Allison Hammerbacher, of Essex, said.
Hammerbacher was in Kingsville to spend the day with family and follow her constantly on the move son, 15-month-old Luke Hammerbacher.
Another first-time attendee, Claire Norwood, was at the parade with her foster daughter Monday.
"It's good, we've got on our red, white and blue," Norwood said.
She said she thought the parade would be a fun thing to do and was not disappointed. She added that in addition to the fun aspects of the holiday, she explained to the kids on the car ride to the celebration the larger importance of the day.
"It's a time to honor those who serve and what freedom means for us," Norwood said.
Ted Fratta said he and his group, consisting of family and friends, had been among parade float winners for the past five or six years. This year, the Taylor/Fratta group was on the sidelines enjoying the day.
Fratta said the night before, a family member looked at his watch and said with duct tape and chicken wire, they could still enter a float. Fratta said he missed not having a float this year and may get back in the game next year.
Even without at float, Fratta was enjoying the parade. He explained that friends and neighbors visit all day and those from other areas visit, making it a community event that connects people across different communities.
Along with first time attendees, were long-time spectators of the Kingsville parade.
"We come every year," Kacey Bunch, of Abingdon, said. "It's just to celebrate the Fourth, it's something to be proud of," Bunch said.
Ashley Streibinger, of Kingsville, said she has attended the parade every year for about 27 years.
"It's always consistent," Striebinger said. "I can't complain."
For Striebinger, the day meant sharing her childhood experiences with her kids.
"I have to say it's truly a satisfying experience because I get to see my kids create the same memories I did," Striebinger said.
Striebinger lives in Kingsville, not far from the parade route and said the parade is a symbol of the area.
"I really think it's just the heart, it shows the camaraderie that Kingsville has as a whole," Striebinger said.
Karen Williams also grew up in the Kingsville area, and although she lives in Parkville, returns every year for the Kingsville parade to share the legacy with her 3-year-old son.
"I have fond memories when I was a kid coming home with bags full of candy, so it's great to bring him here so he can have the experience," Williams said.
She said the parade is well done and a great experience every year.
"It's everything we expect from a parade," Williams said.