Calling all Park Cities patriots: it's time to don your red, white and blue to celebrate America's independence! The Rotary Club of Park Cities’ annual Fourth of July Parade is gearing up to be the best celebration yet, with the traditional parade and post-parade festivities, plus an opportunity for parade-goers to make a difference in the lives of hungry North Texans. Here are the details:

• 7:30 a.m. — Float Line Up Begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall. Families, friends, neighbors and businesses are inviting to create a float to show their spirit and pride!

• 8 a.m. — Bicycle Decorating Contest (NOTE NEW LOCATION) – Kids should come to the Park Cities YMCA at 6000 Preston Road to show just how creatively they can decorate their bikes in red, white and blue. Following the judging at 8:30 a.m. and a short bicycle safety lesson, all bicycle participants are invited to join the parade procession to the north side of Goar Park on their bikes!

• 9 a.m. — Parade Begins on Euclid Avenue near Highland Park Town Hall and Ends at University Park City Hall, 3800 University Boulevard. (See the parade route)

• 9:30 a.m. — Park Cities Independence Day Celebration at Goar Park, across from University Park City Hall.  Enjoy food, games and old-fashioned fun as you celebrate America with your family, friends and neighbors.

This year’s parade will help support the North Texas Food Bank. Members of the Rotary Club of Park Cities will be accepting cash and check donations from parade-goers along the parade route and can also accept credit card donations at Goar Park. Every $1 donated provides three meals for hungry families. You can also help in the fight against hunger by signing up for Tango Tab at Goar Park — another way to support the North Texas Food Bank. 

Serving as the Parade’s 2013 Grand Marshal is Kirk Dooley, lifelong Park Cities resident, writer and beloved community commentator. 

For more information, visit www.parkcitiesrotary.org.