CROUSE – It’s all about patriotism and having some good, old-fashioned family fun.

It’s the annual Crouse Independence Day Parade, and according to Mona Ramsey, it’s coming up this Thursday at 3:30 p.m., rain or shine. A noted local historian and an expert on all things Crouse-related, Ramsey told The Herald all about it this week. Hosted by the Crouse Fire Department, the parade has been a community fixture for more than 30 years now.

“Come early and hang out at the Crouse Fire Department and play free kids’ games and enjoy the bounce house and dunk tank,” said Ramsey.

She added that the fire department would also have bologna sandwiches for sale, 1-4:30 p.m. Spectators are welcome, and interested churches, organizations and individuals are urged to bring golf carts, tractors with trailers, floats, lawn-mowers with trailers, classic cars, trucks, four-wheelers, bicycles, goats, horses with wagons or buggies and horses with riders.

The official grand marshal each year is Sandy Jones, a lifelong resident of Crouse.

“Sandy loves the parade,” said Ramsey, “and can hardly wait for the event to occur each year.”

She continued that if you’re interested in being a part of the parade, you need to sign an entry form, either prior to or during the line-up. Entry forms may be picked up in advance at the Crouse Fire Department on Old NC-150 West in Crouse.

 All participants are requested to adhere to the proper safety attire/equipment required to operate their vehicles. Parade entries will begin lining up around 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of the Crouse School and Swanson roads: GPS address 3580 Crouse School Road in Crouse.

“Please note,” said Ramsey. “We request no throwing of candy or small items to the public. It is recommended that you have walkers along the route to personally hand out candy and information. Be creative! Decorate your entry with a patriotic theme, or use your imagination, and join in the fun! If you’re looking for good, old-fashioned family fun, we think you’ll find nothing better than visiting downtown Crouse for the Fourth of July parade!”

Questions? Call the Crouse Fire Department at (704) 735-2247.