Kids enjoy a splash of cool water as the floats pass by during the Vale Fourth of July parade last Thursday. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon)
VALE – Despite the harsh summer sun and hot weather, visitors and locals showed up in droves for the annual Fourth of July parade in Vale.
While parade spectators filled Yakima Street South and A Street, parade participants lined up at by Vale High School, slathering on the sunscreen and putting the finishing touches to their floats.
As the parade made its way to downtown Vale, kids were in position with their families along the side of the road, waiting to catch pieces of candy tossed out by the passing parade.
Kim Speelman, parade volunteer and organizer, said this year’s parade had more floats than last year but less classic cars. She said the number of entrants this year was about the same as the year before.
Photos by Isabella Garcia and Kristine de Leon.
Kids jump at the chance to get a free t-shirt from a parade float. (The Enterprise/Isabella Garcia)
Several parade floats tossed out candy for young spectators to collect. (The Enterprise/Isabella Garcia)
Several parade floats tossed out candy for young spectators to collect. (The Enterprise/Isabella Garcia)
Vale residents, young and old, showed up in their patriotic colors for the 4th of July parade. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon)
Vale residents, young and old, showed up in their patriotic colors for the 4th of July parade. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon)
Some spectators decided to beat the heat with water fights. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon)
Flags weren’t the only things waving on the 4th of July as the parade passed through downtown Vale. (The Enterprise/Isabella Garcia)
Flags weren’t the only things waving on the 4th of July as the parade passed through downtown Vale. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon)
Candy from the floats was a big hit for many of Vale’s younger residents. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon)
Some spectators decided to beat the heat with water fights. (The Enterprise/Kristine de Leon)
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