TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — Taylorville kicked off their Independence weekend with a parade and community picnic.

Mayor Bruce Barry hosts a picnic every year, and provides free hotdogs, chips, ice cream and refreshments for attendees.

"Since I became mayor eight years ago, I always have a hot dog luncheon up here on the square," he said. "We have music and just an event here for the people to unwind a little bit." 

Out of the hundreds of participants in the parade, there were multiple winners from local pageants, including reigning Little Miss Chilli Pepper, Quinn Hancock. She said she was excited to be involved in her community.

"It was also really fun to see all my townspeople. I really like volunteering with my town, too," she said. "It's really fun to see all the dogs, and kids, and all the happy faces around the town."

After the picnic, folks gathered at the Taylorville Lake Marina to watch a performance by the Taylorville Municipal Band, which kicked off the fireworks.

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