Monroe Rotary Club hosts annual Independence Day Children’s Parade on July 4th | KTVE

MONROE, La (KTVE/KARD) – Residents of Monroe, Louisiana, showed their patriotism during the annual Children’s Independence Day Parade on July 4th in Triangle Park.

Each year, the event attracts community members of all ages who participate in various activities and participate in the children’s parade. KTVE/KARD spoke with Leah Sumrall, Monroe Rotary Club member and organizer, to learn more details about the event.

It has grown exponentially over the years and we try to offer something new every year. You can see the Acadian ambulance and the Bearcat that the sheriff’s office brings. We have games for the kids and of course there are watermelon snow cones.

Leah Sumrall, Event Organizer | Monroe Rotary Club Member

The parade featured scooters, bicycles, tricycles and more, all in red, white and blue, and put on a spectacular show for spectators. A mother and her patriotic entourage spoke to KTVE/KARD about their participation in the event.

It gives these girls a reason to smile and they love everything about it. The balloons, the floats, everything is so much fun for them.

Laine Brister, participant in the children’s parade

Although the event is focused on children, the parade is fun for everyone, especially first-time attendees. KTVE/KARD spoke with one first-time attendee, Missy Bilderback, head coach of the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) women’s basketball team, about her introduction to the event.

It’s just great to see the community come together and put so much effort into making sure the kids have a great event, so we were excited to come out and support them.

Missy Bilderback, head coach women’s basketball | ULM

If you missed the event this year, don’t worry, you can stay up to date on details about next year’s Fourth of July Children’s Parade on the KTVE/KARD website.