The Brundidge Business Association is gearing up for the annual Independence Day Parade on June 25.

The parade is traditionally held the last Saturday morning in June so that it frees up the Fourth of July for family gatherings and other community events, said Dixie Shehane, BBA president.

“The Independence Day Parade has been a longstanding event in Brundidge and the BBA not only wants to keep the traditional going but also growing,” Shehane said. “Our goal for every parade is for it to be a little bigger and better than the one before. This year’s parade promises to do just that.”

The Independence Parade will be led by the Fort Rucker Army Band, which is always a big attraction.

“We are honored to have the Fort Rucker band back with us again this year as we celebrate our country’s independence,” Shehane said. “The Independence Day Parade will include professional floats that will be sponsored by area businesses and organizations, ball teams, Vacation Bible School groups, fire trucks, horses, clowns, antique vehicles, just about anything that you would expect to see in a parade and more.”

Shehane said cars and motorcycles are welcome to parade as long as they are not in violation of the city’s noise ordinance.

And, we’ll have queens from communities all across the Wiregrass as honored guests. Immediately following the parade, the queens will be introduced at the Knox Ryals Pavilion. A tea will be held in their honor at the library.”

The 900th Maintenance Company of the Alabama National Guard in Brundidge is serving in Afghanistan. Shehane said several of the entries will salute the guardsmen.

“We are planning a huge celebration when the 900th returns in August but we also want to honor them as they serve,” she said.

The Independence Day Parade is one of spectator participation and those who line the downtown parade route are encouraged to show their colors by wearing red, white and blue and/or by waving American flags. To register an entry for the 2011 Independence Day Parade in Brundidge, call Rue’s Antiques at 334-735-3125 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday.