Gatlinburg - First 4th of July Parade in the Country

Happy 4th of July.  We met the Birmingham crowd at Blackbearry Ridge and then headed down to Gatlinburg for the 4th of July parade which begins at midnight.  What a great tribute to the men and women in the armed service representation from all the branches.  There were several floats which had the Tuskegee Airman, a float with a Congressional medal winner and numerous floats with veterans.  It also was a great time to reflect and understand that the upcoming election is very important and to rid our country of socialism, we need to kick 44 out the door.  The Tea Party even had a float in the parade.

Lining the streets of Gatlinburg at 10:30 pm.

Rebecca, Conley and David.

David, Becky, Jennifer, Jessica and JoLynn.

We were sitting on the Parkway across from the aquarium.

Conley joined in the pre-parade activity of kids scrambling for coins thrown by parade watchers.  

Here comes the start of the parade

Lots of flashing lights and loud sirens.

Several marching bands from across the country and Canada.

A marine shaking hands with Conley, Jennifer and Jessica.