Kids' 4th of July Parade Tradition Continues

An Independence Day tradition will continue this weekend as youngsters dress up in their red, white and blue and participate in the 19th Annual Fourth of July Parade.

The annual parade will begin at 10 a.m. from the Banken Home at 213 S. Elm.

The “just for kids” parade was started 19 years ago by Janice Barney, Lisa Greer and Jean Rahm. The parade leadership has passed to a new generation, as Kristi and Jason Banken now host the parade.

The Bankens began hosting the parade five years ago, and have continued to build upon the Independence Day tradition.

“Jason dresses up as Uncle Sam,” Kristi Banken said. Jason’s uncle, Fire Chief Al Banken, brings a fire truck to the event, thrilling young and old alike.

The parade will follow its traditional route down Elm Street to Stoddard Street with kids on bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters, skates, on foot, or in strollers (most anything non-motorized). Once the parade rests at Stoddard Street, the gaggle of youngsters break “parade formation.”

The youngsters will gather on the steps of the U.S. Post Office to salute the flag with the Pledge of Allegiance, sing a few patriotic songs, and pose for photographs for all the parents and grandparents in attendance.

The parade will get moving again, east down Stoddard Street to Poplar Street, where it will turn south at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) back to Vine and turn west and return to Vine and Elm. Upon returning to Elm Street, the youngsters will be treated to some 4th of July lemonade and refreshments in the Banken’s front yard.

Children are invited to participate; they may walk or bring their bikes and other means of transportation for the parade. Parking will be available for grownups in the city parking lot on Vine Street across from the Dexter Municipal Building.

In a 2004 photo, the children in the 4th of July Parade pause on the Post Office steps. While at the Post Office they children say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing some patriotic songs and pause for photographs before continuing the annual parade. (Archive photo by Annabeth Miller)