PROVO, UTAH (ABC 4 News) -The Freedom Festival's Grand parade in Provo drew a crowd of more than three hundred thousand. It's one of the largest Independence Day parades in the nation.
4th of July festivities in Provo date back to 1877. Every year the popularity of this parade grows. Carrie Howse arrived early, but not as early as those who started camping out on the 3rd of July. "People camp out the night before it's crazy”
Each parade goer hopes for a good view of their parade favorites. Aubrey Romiell says she loves the huge helium balloons similar to those at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “I come here almost every year and my favorite would have to be the balloons."
For some, it's not as much about what's on the street, as who is beside them that matters. It's a family tradition. One Howse says has mass appeal. "Everybody comes out, young old, everybody enjoys watching the parades."
Old and young together know the reason for the celebration. Young Kevin says "its celebration the birth of our country." College age Jose Esquirel says "it means freedom that our forefathers gave us the right to be out here to do what we like."
Monday morning as parade watchers wiped sleep out of their eyes some were in awe at the expression of freedom around them. Teen Sienna Young says “I think its cool that these people can just get out here and have fun like this and not even care how they look."
But then again, for some it may not have been freedom of choice. Bedecked in a flag shirt with red white and blue sunglasses, elementary age Brennan Howse takes no responsibility for his patriotic fashion statement. "I have no idea. My mom just bought the stuff."
But regardless whether they were tired, or well attired everyone on at the celebration seemed to be have a great time.
