The Fourth of July holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, at which time, the 13 American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation.

Celebrations are held on July 4 all across the nation each year. However, the City of Brundidge gets an early start on the celebration with its Independence Day Parade on the Saturday before.

The Independence Day Parade is a longtime tradition in Brundidge. The members of the sponsoring Brundidge Business Association aren’t sure exactly how long their organization has been sponsoring the patriotic parade, but 20 years or more.

The Independence Day Parade is traditionally held the Saturday before the Fourth of July and follows a Main Street route through downtown Brundidge. This year’s Independence Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 30.

“The Independence Day Parade is a tradition that we take great pride in,” said BBA President Kathy Sauer. “We appreciate the opportunity to host the patriot parade each year. We look forward to it and hope that everyone will join us as we celebrate our nation’s independence, either with an entry in the parade or by cheering us all along the way.”

Because the Independence Day Parade is a patriotic event, those who enter are asked to keep the theme in mind.

The number to call to register an entry in the parade is (334) 735-2306. Entries registered before 5 p.m. Thursday will be given a lineup number. Late entries will register at Fort Wendell K. Taylor National Guard Armory on Highway 231 and will be asked to join the lineup at the end. Lineup will begin at 8 a.m. in the area of the Piggly Wiggly on Veterans Boulevard.

“We are excited to have the 151st Army Band in our Independence Day Parade,” Sauer said. “Following the parade, the band will play at the Knox Ryals Pavilion until the introduction of the queens from different areas who will be representatives at the Peanut Festival in the fall.”

The Independence Day Parade is an opportunity for communities to gather to meet and greet and enjoy the fellowship of friends and neighbors.

“We invite everyone to take time to visit downtown Brundidge. We have murals that depict the town’s history. They make great backdrops for photographs, as do the historic sites. The Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library and the Johnston Mill are listed on Alabama’s Register of Historic Landmarks and City Hall is historic. Parade day is a good time to learn more about the history of Brundidge. And, stay and enjoy lunch at one of our great restaurants,” Sauer said.