Grab your bicycle, tricycle or unicycle; your stroller or kids' electric car; your dog, cat or other pet, and dress up in your patriotic best. It's almost time for the Crabapple Community Association's Fourth of July Walking Parade.

"We hope you decorate your tricycles and strollers and Barbie cars and wagons and wheelchairs and yourselves," parade organizers say.

Everybody gets a chance to participate, but many parents take the opportunity to get photos and video of their children as they walk, bike and ride by.

The parade gets organized at 8:45 a.m. and begins by 9:30 a.m.

Park at the Crabapple Baptist Church or Strawberry Fields, and walk to McFarlin Lane where the parade starts. Those with disability placards may park at the John Weiland Model Trailer on McFarlin Lane.

The parade heads toward Olde Blind Dog, and generally includes a loop to give parents multiple times to get that perfect photo of their patriotic child.

Karen Thurman Council Member of District 1 and her husband Mark will be this year’s Parade Marshals.

After the parade, kids can explore a fire truck, a police car and the Children’s Peace Center. Small flags, water and freezer pops will be available until supplies run out.

Scoops open from 10-noon. Cans, Erwoods and Olde Blind Dog will be open for lunch. Other businesses may be open that day.

Prizes:

• Best Decorated "Vehicle"
• Best Pet
• Most Enthusiastic
• Best Dressed Individual
• Most Creative