Boy Scouts carry the American flag during the Lions Club Independence Day parade Friday in Lititz. The town's July 4 festivities are scheduled to continue Saturday.
Five-year-old Gabriella Suliveras, of Lititz, peeks around a tree, hoping to see the parade.
2010 Queen of Candles contestant Felisha Cross waves to the crowd as she rides in the Lions Club Independence Day parade Friday in Lititz.
Sharon Winters, of Manheim, waves flags as she watches the Lions Club Independence Day parade Friday in Lititz.
They were proud to be Americans Friday at the Independence Day parade in Lititz.
Bikers wore their Stars and Stripes bandannas. A Dixieland band struck up a tune. Queen of the Candles contestants polished their pageant waves from the backs of convertibles.
Even a stretch Hummer limousine cruised by.
"People are getting a little more patriotic, particularly with everything that has happened on the Gulf," George Claxton, of Hempfield, said. "People are trying to pick it up and make this year's Fourth a little more special."
Claxton attended the parade with his wife Kari and daughter Bethany, 7, who looks forward to sparklers and fireflies on the holiday.
But something was missing.
"I should dye my hair red, white and blue," she said.
Children celebrated alongside the parade route, scavenging for Tootsie Rolls and lollipops.
"We have Lititz pride," said Sandy Kreider, whose children — Abigail, 6, and Caleb, 3 — brought along bags just to snatch up treats.
"This is an all-American town."
The family's pooch, Nala, was even on site, hoping to score one of the rumored dog bones that were handed out on last year's procession.
Thousands turned out for the parade, put on this year by the Lititz Lions Club.
"So many towns don't have parades anymore. We're really lucky," said Inge Mountz, who has been a resident of Lititz since 1994.
"I love a parade."
Celebrations also were underway Friday in Marietta with the advent of a two-day fireman's carnival.
The fair will continue Saturday at War Memorial Park with a live band and fireworks at dusk.
Other Independence Day happenings include:
Saturday
The Fourth of July in Lititz: Born in the USA celebration opens in Lititz Springs Park at 11 a.m. and will finish with fireworks at 10 p.m.
In Ephrata, the 33rd annual 5-mile Ephrata Firecracker Run will start at 8:30 a.m. at Ephrata War Memorial Field/Ephrata Senior High School.
Later, community fireworks will be set off at 9:30 p.m. at Lincoln Heights Outdoor Recreation Area, Joann and Crescent avenues.
The 36th annual Independence Day Grand Demolition Derby will be held at Buck Motorsports Park, 900 Lancaster Pike, Quarryville. Gates open at 5 p.m. for the show at 7.
In Mountville, a free fireworks show will be set off at dusk in Froelich Park on West Main Street.
Sunday
The 257th Army Band and Charlie Smithgall's cannon brigade will perform in Long's Park at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow.
An Old Fashioned Fourth of July event will be held in Lancaster in Musser Park, North Lime and East Chestnut streets, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.