What a way to celebrate our country and community!

Hundreds flocked to downtown Crabapple on Friday morning for Red, White, and YOU! – Milton’s annual Independence Day event. This year’s edition was extra special, coinciding with the United States’ 250th birthday, not to mention the City of Milton itself turning 20 this year.

The event’s early timing helped avoid the worst of the summer heat, though it was still plenty hot. No surprise, then, that the two giant inflatable water features – new to the event this year – were so popular! People also lined up for icy treats, which went well with complimentary hot dogs cooked up by Milton’s volunteer Fire Corps. 

Such sustenance, including the offerings of on-site food trucks, was needed after the beloved Milton tradition that is our Walking Parade. Led off by Milton Police Chief Jason Griffin, attendees – many dressed up in red, white, and blue best (as were particularly patriotic strollers, wagons, bikes, and golf carts) – spaced out while looping around the pond in the neighborhood behind Broadwell Road. A few families added a flourish with U-S-A chants while “Uncle Sam” greeted those coming around the final turn. 

They returned to Broadwell Pavilion, which was packed with activities like all-American arts and craft stations as well as offerings such as face-painting and balloon twisting. Broadwell Road was also where winners got their prizes – gift baskets consisting of donations from local businesses – for best energy, most creative, most patriotic, most coordinated family, and most decked out “vehicle.” 

The entire Red, White, and YOU! event was a fun, family-focused, and fantastic opportunity to kick-off the milestone Independence Day weekend. We’re very appreciative of our sponsors – starting with Outback Deck, along with the Reid Casey Team, Window Nation, Ridgeline Floors and Bath, Mathnasium, Stable Orthodontics and Little Spurs Pediatrics Dentistry – for helping make this event happen. And a big THANK YOU to all of our volunteers and especially community members who came out. 

Last but not least: Happy birthday, America!

To view more photos from the event, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofmilton/albums/72177720334589354.