Big parade launches Independence Day festivities in Charles City
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
2017 Floyd County Fair Queen Sydney Fullerton waves as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
The local chapter of the National 19th Amendment Society was out in force as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
The Marine float was the mayor’s favorite as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Charles City High School Cheerleaders wave as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
The color guard led the way as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
The marching band played on as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
A guy dressed as a chicken rode a bike as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
The marching band played on as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Dogs were patriotic, too, as as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
2018 Floyd County Fair Royalty rode along thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. Queen Bailee Bortz and runners-up Kelsey Anderson and Amelia Rottinghaus are pictured. (Press photo James Grob.)
The Cambrex entry was bigger than life as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. Cambrex won the Chamber Choice for best entry. (Press photo James Grob.)
2018 Floyd County Beef Queen Megan Staudt waves to the crowd during the parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
The flower arrangement atop the Otto’s Oasis van was eye-catching as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Shining Star Cheerleaders were striking in pink as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Veterans were front and center as thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
Thousands of people lined the streets in Charles City Wednesday morning for the annual Independence Day parade. (Press photo James Grob.)
By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com
A torrential downpour would come later in the day, but things started off great Wednesday morning as sun shone down on the Charles City Independence Day Parade.
Thousands lined the streets, cheered and waved flags. Sirens blared, a variety of vehicles and farm implements — new and old — blasted their horns, and candy was tossed to kids eager for a sweet treat.
And don’t forget the marching band, plenty of patriotic rock and country music, and even a guy in a chicken suit riding a bike.
Led by a color guard and floats representing men and women in the military, there was over an hour and a half of patriotic displays, emergency vehicles, horseback riders, community groups, businesses, politicians and much more, helping America’s Hometown celebrate America’s birth.
Winning parade entries were Zoetis for best commercial/business; Immaculate Conception School for best organization/non-profit group; Sew That! for best open class; and the Elks Corvette for best antique vehicle.
The Mayor’s Choice award went to the Marine float and the Chamber Choice went to Cambrex.
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