Scene from previous Y July 4 Children’s Independence Day Parade. Courtesy/Y

Scene from previous Y July 4 Children’s Independence Day Parade. Courtesy/Y

By DIANA MARTINEZ
The Family YMCA

The Family YMCA’s annual July 4 Children’s Independence Day Parade, will resume this year after a two-year hiatus, but will reverse the route of previous years.

Several individual and family-friendly activities will happen after the parade at Ashley Pond Park.

This free parade is a call for all ages to show their patriotic colors. People are encouraged to decorate bikes, favorite toys and four-legged family members. Pet owners must be able to restrain and clean up after pets.

Participants should park at Central Park Square, and assemble at the Y’s flag pole at 1450 Iris St. American Legion members will perform a brief flag-raising ceremony prior to the 10 a.m. start of the parade.

The parade will turn left onto 15th Street, right onto Central Avenue and proceed to the elephant statue at Ashley Pond Park. There will be activities and refreshments following the parade.

The Mini-Tri consists of three events:

Rock Relay;

Water Balloon Toss; and

Tower Construction Challenge.

The first event requires pairs to carry a small weight between them through a simple course and switch off to the other team pair to carry back.

The second event involves team members in a water balloon toss.

The third event is a team “tallest tower” build-challenge using sticks and marshmallows.

A special surprise will happen at the end of the Mini-Tri.

Additionally, members of the American Legion Post 90 will award two $25-savings bond to the most patriotic child and pet/owner for the parade.