Champaign celebrates Fourth of July with annual parade

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The city of Champaign hosted its annual Fourth of July parade Saturday morning.

Flags waved, bands marched, and the community came out to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

President of the Champaign County History Museum TJ Blakeman said the museum worked hard all year to prepare for the parade.

"We've been working really hard all year long to make sure that our community, Champaign County, is celebrating the 250th anniversary. We couldn't be prouder to be the grand marshals this year," said Blakeman.

Spectators like Mary Hirschfeld have made this event a cherished family tradition.

"I always come out and enjoy the parade. I've been over here probably 26 years," said Hirschfeld.

Beyond the parade, the day carries a deeper meaning.

"The Declaration of Independence, the meaning of that document, the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those are core principles," said Blakeman. "We're here to celebrate that at all levels, from the federal government, all the way down to the local level. At the end of the day, we are all Americans, and we're all here to celebrate our country together."