‘Tradition:’ Coralville 4thFest parade unites the community

CORALVILLE - Marcy Russell and her family claimed the corner spot at the intersection of Ninth Street and 22nd Avenue in Coralville on Tuesday morning to be among the first spectators to catch the action of the city's annual Fourth of July parade.

'We've been coming for a long time. I love parades,” Russell said. 'No matter what is happening in the world behind you a parade on Independence Day is a unifying thing.”

Russell, a native of Mount Vernon who now lives in Wisconsin, said attending the parade is a family tradition.

'It is a tradition. In fact I could only come down for the parade this year, so I came down this morning and I'll head back afterward,” she said. 'It is totally worth it, we have a lot of fun.”

Tiny American flags, children eager for candy, and people decked out in red, white, and blue lined the streets of Coralville as the annual 4thFest parade, featuring floats, cars, bands and various organizations, wound its way through a two-mile route.

Shannon Medina of Wilton said she likes the way the community comes together to celebrate Independence Day.

'I'm here to support the community,” she said.

Medina was attending the parade with her daughter Deanna who was 'here for the candy.”

For Medina, the military involvement in the parade meant a lot.

'I really like the military part of the parade. Both my husband and I were in the Navy so it kind of brings it back. It just means a lot,” Medina said. 'I don't think a lot of kids in this area get to see (people from the military). Coming from Virginia where our kids saw it all the time, I think it's important for the kids to see the uniform and everything.”

Amy Welter also was at the parade with her daughter Natalie. They watched as other family members marched in the parade with the Cub Scouts and the Regina school. They are visiting from Oregon and said they love having the Fourth of July to be with family and celebrate the nation.

'I enjoy having the deliberate time to celebrate the nation and everyone coming together to celebrate,” Welter said.

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