When the cow kicked over the lantern Old Mother Leary left in the shed, she winked her eye and said, “There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.”

Well, the Brundidge Business Association can promise “a hot time in the old town” when the 2009 edition of the annual Independence Day Parade comes marching down Main Street at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 27.

“If this keeps up, it is going to be a hot one,” said Rue Botts, parade chair. “But, it’s hot on the creek bank and in the house and everywhere.

So we invite everyone to come out and enjoy the 2009 Independence Day Parade. We usually have around a hundred entries and this one looks like it’s going to be another big one.”

Parade entries are still being accepted and the only requirement is that they have a patriotic theme.

“That just means that you need something red, white and blue,” Botts said. “An entry doesn’t have to be a float. It can be a bicycle with ribbons. Just anything that shows your patriotic spirit.”

Following the parade there will be entertainment at the Knox Ryals Pavilion on the grounds of the historic Bass House in downtown Brundidge.

“We’ll have Don Fuda and The Classics and also some of his students will be showcased,” Botts said. “And, the entertainment will also feature Walter Wilson a gospel/country singer who is a former resident of Brundidge.

Bleachers will be available but there’s plenty of room for those who want to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets.”

Picnic baskets are allowed but there’s no reason to go to all the trouble of making a picnic when there will be all kinds of food available.

“We have several vendors who will serve hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage, grilled Boston butts, ribs, chicken quarters and nachos,” Botts said. “We’ll also have shaved ice, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream, lemonade, water and soft drinks.”

The entertainment is scheduled to last about two hours and Botts said hopes are that everyone will stay around, get something to eat and enjoy the music.

There will also be drawings for some really great prizes, including a guitar donated by Fuda and a 32-inch flat screen television. Tickets for the drawings are one dollar and will be available at the parade.

“We invite everyone to get the Fourth of July holidays off to an early start at the Brundidge Business Association’s Independence Day Parade and celebration on Saturday, June 27,” Botts said.

For more information or to register a parade entry, call 334-735-3125.