The Fourth of July means friends, family and fun, and there is no shortage of that in Ralston on Tuesday.
Thousands of people will flock to the small town streets of Ralston for their 57th annual Independence Day Parade, which is the largest in the state of Nebraska.
The parade is put on by Ralston's Chamber of Commerce, and President Amy Roeder says the parade has been so popular because of the family appeal. "I really think it's the family atmosphere that we try to make. People can just come and enjoy each other and watch a great parade."
Roeder says there is something for everyone to see during the parade. "We have everything, that everybody enjoys. We have vintage cars to clowns, so the kids will enjoy that, and just a little bit of everything."
Although the parade is the biggest event in Ralston during the Fourth of July celebrations, Roeder says there is a lot to do during the holiday. "We start really early with the Optimist's Fun Run, and that run starts at 7:50. Then the Children's Parade, which is really cute, that starts at 10:00. On the 4th, we have our fireworks spectacular starting at 9:30. Those are held at the Ralston Arena."
Monday evening events include the picnic in the park, with a pie baking contest and ice cream social, from 5:30 to 7:30 at Ralston Park, and family street dance from 7:00 till 11:00 at the intersection of 77th and Main.
For more information and a full list of events visit Ralston's Chamber of Commerce website here.