The annual Independence Day Parade in Brundidge is shaping up to be an even bigger event than originally planned.

The parade, traditionally held on the last Saturday in June, always attracts a big crowd of participants and spectators who come to celebrate the country's independence. The parade is filled with floats, bands, clowns, queens, horses and everything else needed to celebrate Independence Day.

The parade will be all of that and more this year.

Because the town's Trade Day was rained out in May, the vendors have been invited back to town for this big event.

"We didn't think it was right for the vendors to pay their money and not get a chance to display and sell their arts and crafts or yard sale items," said Lamar Steed, president of the Brundidge Business Association that sponsors both events. "So, we've invited them to come back and be a part of our Independence Day celebration and we hope they will all e able to join us."

The parade lineup will be at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 28 at Fort Wendell K. Taylor National Guard Armory on U.S. Highway 231 in Brundidge. The parade will get under way at 9 a.m. and follow a route from the armory along Main Street from north to south.

Rue Botts, parade coordinator, said the parade be a red, white and blue affair with Pike County High School's color guard and the Pride of Pike Marching Band - in new uniforms — leading the way.

"This is a patriotic parade and the emphasis will be on our veterans," Botts said. "We want to invite all of our veterans to participate in the parade. We will have vehicles for them to ride, so we encourage them to make plans to let us honor them on this very special Independence Day celebration."

Botts said the Fort Rucker Army Band has unofficially accepted the BBA's invitation to be in the parade.

"We don't have anything official yet, but we certainly hope they will be here," Botts said. "But, we have a lot of entries already for the parade and we invited anyone who would like to have a unit - either riding or walking - to contact us so we can get reserve them a spot."

The number to call to add an entry to the parade lineup is 735-3125.

Following the parade, there will be more fun down at the Bass House.

Mayor Jimmy Ramage will welcome everyone to town and queens from across the area will be introduced to the crowd.

The Pike County Junior Red Cross will have a game area set for the kids to enjoy while their parents show at Trade Day or in the many downtown shops.

Jimmy Hollis, Trade Day coordinator, said 15 vendors have indicated they will return for the "reinvention" of Trade Day.

"We have invited them all back, but we don't know yet how many will be here, but all of our vendors had high quality items, so it will be a good show," he said. "And, if there are those who didn't participate in Trade Day in May, but would like to be a part of Trade in June, they can call me at 735- 2712and reserve a booth for $20."

The arts and crafts booths will be located on the grounds of the Bass House between city hall and the Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library. The yard sale will be in the area behind city hall.

Hollis said food vendors will add their special flavor to the day. Muh Dear's will be back with their popular Cajun cuisine as will others who sell festival type foods.

Entertainment will be provided by Melinda Barbaree and Melody Rogers and others to be announced.

Also, following the theme the BBA has set for this year, "Come see what Brundidge has to offer you," those who attend the Independence Day Parade and Trade Day are encouraged to visit the downtown shopping area.

"Brundidge has many of the things you need and a lot of things you want," Steed said. "We have everything from art and crafts and antiques to furniture, food and flowers. So, we invite everyone one to Brundidge Saturday, June 28 for our Independence Day celebration."