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Every year, we look forward to the Sweet Land of Liberty Parade on the Fourth of July.

There are parades in communities all around our country, but we’d venture to guess that the one in LaGrange is one of the most unique. It’s main focus is on kids, who make floats and travel from Sweetland Amphitheatre, around Lafayette Square before heading back to the amphitheatre.  There are no motorized vehicles.

As Andrea Lovejoy pointed out in a 2019 video on LGTV about the parade, it really symbolizes everything America is about. Since the parade is focused around children there isn’t really any commercialization — it’s truly about the red, white and blue.

Annette Boyd started the parade in 1985, and the vision she originally had for the parade remains today.

Every year a theme is selected, and this year’s theme is “Peace, Love & Freedom” honoring Grand Marshal and Chapter President of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Greg Watts. The parade is always organized by the Junior Service League, one of the many ways the group gives back to this community each year.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. and is over by 11 a.m., meaning you can make it out to the parade and still gather with family afterwards for a barbecue or however you plan to spend the holiday.

We believe it’s the perfect way to spend your Fourth of July, and we hope you’ll be there to support the parade and show appreciation for this great country.