To say that there’ll be a hot time in town when the Independence Day Parade takes center stage June 26, might not be the best way to promote the annual Brundidge event.

Rue Botts, parade chair, said she can’t promise cooler weather, but she can promise that no matter high the temperature rises, it can’t out do the patriotic spirit of the celebration.

“The Brundidge Business Association has been sponsoring the Independence Day Parade for so many years that we’ve lost count,” Botts said, laughing.

“Sometimes the weather cooperates. Sometimes it doesn’t. But unless it’s storming, the parade will go on.”

The 2010 Independence Day Parade will begin its march down Brundidge Main Street at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 26.

The parade takes a Main Street route through the downtown area that is all decked out for the Fourth of July.

“Everyone is invited to participate in the parade as long as they carry out the patriotic theme,” Botts said. “The entries can be as elaborate as you want or as simple was red, white and blue streamers on a bicycle. The parade is a salute to our country’s proud heritage and to those who have paid the price of our freedoms.”

In keeping with the theme and spirit of the Independence Day Parade, the Grand Marshals of the parade will be the 900th Maintenance Company of the Alabama National Guard, which is based in Brundidge.

“The 900th has been activated and will be deployed overseas in August,” Botts said.

“We want to honor them and let them know how much they are appreciated and will be missed.”

The Fort Rucker Army Band will lead the parade along with the Pike County High School JROTC and the marching band.

“The bands set the tone for the parade and, we’ll have American flags to give away so that everyone can get into the spirit of the holiday,” Botts said.

Those who are interested in entering the parade may do so by calling Botts at 334-735-3125.

Immediately following the parade, the Brundidge Business Association will have activities at the Knox Ryals Pavilion on the grounds of the Bass House/City Hall.

“We’ll have live entertainment with picking, singing and dancing. And, vendors will have hotdogs, hamburgers, watermelon and other foods typical of the Fourth of July holiday,” Botts said.

“So, the Independence Day Parade will be a fun way to celebrate our country’s independence. We encourage everyone to make plans to be a part of the BBA’s Independence Day Parade with an entry in the parade or as a cheering spectator.”