Abilene neighborhoods host Independence Day parades

ABILENE, Texas -

Several neighborhoods around Abilene hosted their own Independence Day parades Wednesday.

KTXS stopped by North Abilene’s Hillcrest neighborhood’s 16th annual July 4th parade Wednesday morning.

Participants said Independence Day is a great day not only to be patriotic, but also to bond with family, friends and neighbors.

Revelers met at the corner of Campus Court and Bacon Streets at 10 a.m. to kick off the celebration.

But not before Abilene Mayor Norm Archibald recognized the neighborhood and the parade’s grand marshals.

“I'm honored to join with the residents of Hillcrest neighborhood and thank them for their positive example, encouragement and inspiration,” Archibald said. “Join me in honoring Terry and Gayle Brown.”

Many people say they came out to the parade Wednesday to honor the founding of our country.

“It's important for us to remember the freedom we have and the sacrifices it took for that freedom and the continuing sacrifice it takes,” Alan Clute, who serves on the parade committee said. “And for us to pass that on to our children.

And the children present agreed.

“I decided to be Captain America because he's a patriotic hero,” one child said.

Members of the Abilene fire, police and sheriff’s departments also came out to show their support.

Clute said the parade normally brings out a crowd of almost 1000.

The Hillcrest Parade was started several years ago by just a few families living in that area.

The parade ended at Hillcrest Church of Christ for cookies and ice cream.