KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Residents lined up early and stayed late last Saturday for the annual Fourth of July parade through the downtown streets. They dressed in red, white and blue, waved flags and celebrated the country’s birthday with both pride and enthusiasm.

The parade, as expected, didn’t disappoint.

One family sat on foldup lawn chairs in front of Keystone Gifts and Guns. The three youngest peered down Lawrence Boulevard for the first glimpse of the parade – and an opportunity to scoop up penny candy that’s thrown from the decorated floats and vehicles. The other two not only shared in the excitement of the children, but they also reminisced of memories of being young again and celebrating in one of the town’s biggest events.

“I started bringing her [Alisha Gray] to this parade 35 years ago,” said Cindy Russell, a mother and grandmother. “There’s nothing better than a small hometown parade, and we love our hometown. And we always celebrate America.”

The parade started at Keystone Heights Elementary and worked its way past Keystone Heights Beach, Geneva Jungle and city hall. The final 250-yard was along the busy downtown area where residents sometimes stood three-deep to get a glimpse.

Martha Alford said she’s now seen 30 parades. She planned to watch Sunday night’s fireworks display from her house along Lake Geneva.

“You don’t get more small-town America than Keystone Heights,” said Heather Ham. “I love America. I think it’s the best place in the world to live.”

Participants in the parade not only were waving to friends and family, but they also were competing for awards presented by the Lakes Region Kiwanis. Award winners were:

• The Keystone Heights cheerleaders won first place for Best Marching Unite, while the Keystone Heights Sports Association finished second.

• Clay County Fair Miss Junior Paylon Carter won for Best Youth Entry, while Miss Pre-Teen Bella Thomas and Miss Teen Clarisa Tony finished second.

• Lake Area Small Engine won first place in the Business category with an assortment of patriotic-decorated lawn equipment, while Atlantic Logistics was runner-up.

• American Heritage Girls/Trail Life won Closest to Parade Theme: “Our Country Day,” while Fullington Family Reality CWL was second.

• The Nigels Crew were the Judges’ Choice, while the Patriotic Harp Family was second.

• The Melrose Patriots were selected as the Most Original, while Jim Bertotto’s Old Rusty Car was second.