Everyone is welcome to participate in Cave Spring’s annual Fourth of July parade, says Christa Jackson, event organizer.

The family event that will take place July 4 has grown during the last 25 years from a few to hundreds.

“The parade started off with just a few families and it’s grown every year,” said Jackson. “We’re hoping for about 300 to participate this year.”

Anyone can play a part in the holiday parade or come to watch.

“Participants can either walk or ride and drive four-wheelers, tractors, fire trucks, old antique cars or even just their regular vehicles,” said Jackson.

“Just decorate it in red, white and blue and show up.”

For those wishing to drive in the July 4 parade, they are to meet on Perry Farm Road in Cave Spring.

“The event doesn’t start until 9 a.m., but people can start lining up as early as 8 a.m.,” said Jackson.

“If you’re coming to just watch, most people just wait at the town square. The parade usually comes through the square 15 to 20 minutes after it begins.”

The parade will start at Cave Spring’s old depot at 9 a.m. and end at the same location.

“We have a big tradition,” said Jackson. “After we get back to the station, we pass out Rice Krispie bars.”

Among the other parade customs, one woman is nominated as Cave Spring’s own special kind of grand marshal.

“Each year, we give out the ‘vote dress,’ which is a dress that is red, white and blue and has the word ‘vote’ written all over it,” explains Jackson.

“It honors people who truly do support our community and our parade. Everyone who has ever worn it has a pin now that shows that they wore the ‘vote dress’ in the parade.”

Other events that will be occurring after the parade include cake walks, tug-of-war competitions and an antique car show.

“This parade is very relaxed, a time to not be stressed out. It’s just a great family occasion for the young and old where people can come to celebrate America and family,” said Jackson. “That’s how it started, and that’s how it is.”

For more information, contact Jackson at 706-777-8743.

Rome’s July 4 event at Ridge Ferry Park begins at 1 p.m. with live music from several local bands; children’s activities such as a water slide, obstacle course and climbing wall; contests including watermelon eating and hula hoop; and classic summer foods.

Cave Spring’s fireworks display will likely start soon after 9 p.m.

Parking and admission are free, but spectators should bring lawn chairs and blankets. Trails will be closed from Burrell Creek to Ridge Ferry Stage on July 4 for the fireworks display set-up.