Streamers hung from handlebars, pocket-sized American flags poked out of bicycle helmets and an overall red, white and blue theme blanketed the hundreds of participants.
Families pushed bicycles, rode scooters and pulled wagons to Denver's Cheesman Park Wednesday morning not to watch a holiday parade, but to form it. The 6th Annual Cheesman Park July 4th Kids Parade featured another year of face painting, caricatures and, of course, the 10 a.m. loop around the park.
"They take this big city and make it have that small town feel," Ren? Garcia , 37, said. His sentiment was shared by locals who met up with neighbors and co-workers in the hour proceeding the parade kick off.
"That's the cool thing, " Ren? said. "You start running into everyone."
Ren? drove from southwest Denver to the park with his family of five and their three bicycles.
It's the second year his 11-year-old daughter Sydni has participated in the festivities. Bagpipers marched behind, as Sydni walked her bicycle between the crowd.
"I like that we get to decorate our bikes and ride them," Sydni said, who recently acquired a pink bicycle after graduating 5th grade this spring. She decked out her new wheels with American flag streamers taped above the back wheel to mimic a horse tail.
Claire Bourg said she rides her bicycle almost every day, so the parade worked nicely into her daily activities.
"I think it's a pretty festive holiday," Claire, 10, said. She sported a red, white and blue lei.
Claire's mother, Karen Bourg, 45, pulled a decorated wagon and hung onto the family dog, Loretta, who traveled to the parade from Congress Park with a red bandana.
"It helps create a community," Bourg said of the July 4th parade.
Marilyn Kal-Hagan , chairwoman of the parade, said that six years ago the Cheesman Park Advocacy Group was looking to start an annual community event. So, the Cheesman Park July 4th Kids Parade began.
About 75 people came out for the first parade ? and numbers have steadily multiplied, hitting 1,000 participants in 2011.
"It doubles every year," Kal-Hagan said.
Parade preparations typically beginning in January. Rebecca Bliss joined more than 45 volunteers to help out with the ceremonies. She worked the decorations table, handing out flags and taping various bicycle add-ons.
"I think it's a fun way for everyone to enjoy the park," Bliss said.
Tegan Hanlon: 303-954-1729 or thanlon@denverpost.com
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