Celebrating the 4th of July... Texas style!

When I was young, our family would celebrate the 4th of July by getting together for the day with our grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.  It was my maternal grandfather Oscar's birthday as well as Independence day.  We would eat delicious food, make homemade ice cream, and enjoy talking or playing together, and occasionally drive to a nearby town to watch fireworks. When I was a teenager, I would also have to march with the high school band in some local parade.
After I grew up, married, and moved away from home I missed those family gatherings.  As our children were born, we tried to celebrate the holiday together by getting together for food and fireworks as often as we could.  Now that our children are all grown and Ron & I have found the house we intend to retire in, we have begun attending an annual parade in the small Texas town of Belton.  I really don't know what it is about the parade that appeals to me, but I absolutely love it.  There are representatives from political, sport, religious, and public organizations; as well as local bands, school, and families.  We see everything from trucks, lawn mowers, bikes, and horses decorated for the occasion.
Below are some of the pictures I took that day.  Some of them have a shadow on the corners where my lens cover failed to open completely.  That is thanks to the sticky fingers of my grandbabies.  I cropped out what I could, so most of the pictures have no shadow at all.  Anyway, enjoy the photographs!