The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, and for the past few years I’ve been working for the Upper Arlington Civic Association as their official photographer. One of the best community events they plan is their annual July 4th Parade!
There are lots of neighborhood floats ( and honestly, they are works of art!), the Upper Arlington High School Marching Band, Uncle Sam on a circular bike ( trust me, you have to see it) and the Ohio State University Alumni Band. It’s a really fun, family friendly even for the entire community that wraps up with a terrific fireworks show with live bands and food trucks at Northam Park. The whole event is sponsored mainly by the UACA, and some other generous community donors.
Although it rained for a tiny part of the parade, it didn’t stop the crowds from coming out to see the parade!!
This year’s parade marshall was Upper Arlington native & Olympian Abby Johnson! She was busy signing autographs for all of the kids who were on the Upper Arlington Aquatics Club float. She was mobbed by kids ( and some adults too…) but she was so sweet and patient with everyone,
Olympian and Upper Arlington native Abby Johnson and Upper Arlington Civic Association Director
The UAHS Marching Band looked and sounded fantastic as they marched down Northwest Blvd. The band is always a favorite of mine to watch, they do some amazing half time shows at the UAHS football games-really cool stuff.
Some of the talented member of the the drum line on the UAHS Marching Band
Uncle Sam on his circular bike is always a hit with the kids on the parade route- I always hear them asking how he goes so fast, how does he stay on, can they get a bike like that too?
Uncle Sam on his circular bike
I saw this lovely lady intently watching the parade this year. She enjoyed waving her flag around, then looking up at her dad to make sure everything was ok. She was pretty unsure about getting her picture taken, but once she was with her Dad, she was all smiles.
A little Upper Arlington resident enjoys the July 4th parade
Toward the end of the parade UACA President Peter Walsh walks the parade route with his family. Pete has been with the UACA for more than 3 years, and is wrapping up his tenure with the UACA in 2014.
UACA President Pete Walsh on the parade route
And last, no post about the July 4th parade would be complete without a little shout out the the Ohio State University Alumni Marching Band. They participate in the parade every year, and always energize the crowd with their favorite marching band songs….it’s a little prelude to the coming football season!
The OSU Alumni Marching Band
I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July celebrations, and stayed safe and dry!