Sights from the 4th

We had a pretty good, but wet 4th of July this year.  The fabulous weather we had last year really set some high expectations for me.  I mean look at this picture I took last year.  You can almost see the sweat and warmth of the day on her face.

This year was about as opposite of weather as you could get.  But despite the cool weather and rain, we still got out and did just about everything we did last year. And now that we've been here a few years, we've learned there are some "must sees" to a proper Juneau 4th of July celebration.  Here's a photo recap of how we checked all the necessary details off our list to celebrate the birth of our country.

fire engines at the parade...check

the police department color guard...check

the Juneau Volunteer Marching Band...check

(apparently this trombone player didn't get the memo to wear a crazy hat)

(oh, whew!  she got the memo)

the Philippino community parade entry...check (always a highlight)

(Only problem this year is that their colorful bird costumes scared the living daylights out of the little missy.  She was cowering behind me when she saw them making their way back up the street on the outbound side of the road.)

the toe tapping beat from the percussion group of the Phillippino community parade entry...check

the Phillippino princesses...check

(not sure how this gets decided...maybe it was just Shirley's turn to be queen this year?)

classic cars with waving politicians...check

classic cars with flames spitting out the back...check

shriners in mini cars...check

little girls in kilts and xtra tuff boots (this is Juneau after all)...check

bagpipe players following the kilted girls...check

ballerina's with tutus and xtra tuffs (told you this was Juneau)...check

cops on bike patrol...check

heavy equipment from one of the local mines...check

cute kids watching the parade...double check

a fun fireworks show to finish off the night...check

Hope you enjoyed your 4th of July celebrations whether they were familiar sights or new ones.