There’s nothing more independent than a small-town 4th of July parade. When we lived in the Dam West in Aurora, the annual neighborhood parade, penny dive, softball game and DJ blasting tunes on the greenbelt was a never-miss event in our family.
Add the plucky pioneer spirit of the Mile High City and the deeply rooted community pride of the Park Hill neighborhood to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for a laid-back, family friendly Independence Day celebration. The Park Hill 4th of July Parade is celebrating its fifth year with its biggest blast ever —nearly 60 registered groups and more than 700 participants on the roster. Last year, more than 2,500 people turned out to enjoy the festivities, making it the largest Independence Day parade in metro Denver.
Like the neighborhood that spawned it, the parade celebrates diversity. And so, in addition to the Boy Scout troops, preschool class floats and classic cars, visitors will also be treated to the Mile High City’s flare for the unexpected. Where else might you find a fleet of gleaming low-rider automobiles, cruising alongside a vegan community outreach group? An award-winning high school marching band, trailed by a phalanx of Tae Kwon Do black belts? A gaggle of costumed princesses followed by the 501st Legion of Star Wars re-enactors? Only in Park Hill.
This year’s parade again will be presided over by Mayor Michael B. Hancock and attended by a number of additional elected officials, neighborhood groups and other grass-roots organizations. Representatives from Denver’s first responder community will add to the event’s patriotic vibe, while High Country Brass, the Maple Lake High School Marching Band, One World Singers and others will keep the crowd dancing. And of course, Clementine — Park Hill’s cupcake truck — will be on hand to serve sweets to the sweet.
The fifth annual Park Hill 4th of July Parade runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on July 4. The parade will march through the historic Park Hill neighborhood along 23rd Avenue from Dexter Street to Krameria Street, where it will culminate in a street fair on the 2200 block of Kearney offering up sweet treats from Cake Crumbs Bakery, savory snacks from Oblio’s Pizza, live music food trucks and more.
Parade visitors are encouraged to set up blankets, chairs, umbrellas and coolers anywhere along the route. Details at www.parkhillparade.org.
(Park Hill Fourth of July 2013 photos)
Comments are closed.
Leave a comment