Hundreds came together on July 4th for a celebration of our nation’s birthday – and a demonstration of a great tight-knit community.

The occasion started at 9 a.m. on Friday, earlier than usual to beat the worst of the Georgia summer heat. (Even then, it still got plenty hot!) Crowds had no trouble waking up to converge on Broadwell Pavilion, then join the “Walking Parade” looping around a nearby neighborhood’s pond. Following a countdown led by Mayor Peyton Jamison, some walked and others rolled on scooters, strollers, and bicycles behind a vehicle driven by Police Chief Jason Griffin.

The Red, White, and YOU event had plenty of other fun activities before and after the parade for the estimated 1,200-plus attendees. Children LOVED sloshing around in the foam pit, a new addition this year. Many had their faces painted, got balloon animals, glammed up with hair glitter, created festive crafts, and explored a Milton Fire engine. A handful of particularly patriotic-looking participants even went home with special prizes.

And it wouldn’t be a (country’s birthday) party without some food. Attendees could choose from breakfast bowls and signature French fries from the Frybaby food truck, chill treats from Pelican’s SnoBalls and King of Pops, or caffeinated beverages from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee. And morning or not, Milton Fire Corps grillers kept very busy cooking up hot dogs that were in high demand.

THANK YOU to everyone who came out Friday to celebrate this holiday with us! While Milton may have grown over the years, events like show the best of our small-town feel. Can’t wait until the next one!