KIRKSVILLE, MO -- In Kirksville, residents gathered in the downtown square for the annual Red, White, and Blue Parade sponsored by the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Local officials, law enforcement, and social groups designed floats and cars while driving down the square waving and passing out candy.
We asked some kids what their favorite part of the parade is.
"I really like the fire truck," said Ariel Doyle.
"Candy and fire truck," said Alexis and Bella Thompson.
"I like when they throw candy and I like the cop cars," said Tyler Doyle.
The Grand Marshalls were former radio personality Helen Adams and National History Day Contest state winner Miles Krusniak.
The parade helped to kick off the 8th Annual Red, White, and Blue Festival which will be running through the weekend with many events.
The Fourth of July celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, making America exactly 236 years old today.