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The Junior Service League (JSL) of LaGrange is set to host the 41st annual Sweet Land of Liberty Parade on Saturday, June 28. The women’s service club is adding a 5K run to the annual Independence Day celebration.

The annual kids’ parade will take a route around Lafayette Square this year. JSL is adding a 5K run this year that also starts and ends on the square. This year’s theme for the parade is “Let Freedom Sing,” with Grand Marshall Dr. Nick Griffin.

Griffin was chosen for his work helping families in the community with the ELVTD Youth and Mentoring, a non-profit organization founded in December 2023. Griffin also serves in Troup County Schools as a site coordinator for Communities in Schools.

“ELVTD helps kids in Troup County, and their parents, with life skills needed to do well in school and just in their daily lives in general,” said JSL President Jamie Higgins. “We chose Nick because of the great work he’s doing for the kids in the community.”

The new 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m. on the square. Immediately following the closing ceremonies for the run, the parade will begin at 10 a.m.

Like JSL’s other major fundraiser, Taste of the Town, the 5K serves as a fundraiser for JSL initiatives. The non-profit service group of women passes along the funds in both events through mini-grants and support for other local non-profits, including Good Sam Ministry, Habitat for Humanity and Feeding the Valley, among many others.

Parade participants are asked to assemble in the Lafayette Society of the Performing Arts (LSPA) parking lot on Bull Street from  9:30 to 9:45 a.m. 

Participants will be judged based on patriotism and this year’s theme, “Let Freedom Sing.” Dressing up in red, white and blue or on-theme clothing is encouraged. 

Higgins said they are aiming for a patriotic fun event for the whole family with arts and crafts and face painting.

“We’re going to have things like popsicles and little carnival games,” Higgins said. “It’s less Taste of the Town and more American, free, family fun.”

Participants for both the run and the parade can register online at https://www.jsloflagrange.com/parade-registration.  ​Online registration ends June 26, but in-person registration forms will be available on the day of the parade.

Organizers note, the only adults allowed in the parade are registered parents or group leaders and designated parade marshals for the safety of participants. All motorized vehicles, animals, and commercial advertising are prohibited. Bicycles and non-motorized scooters are allowed, but helmets must be worn by children riding them.

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