Fourth of July Parade in Ashland

People in Ashland joined with others across the country in celebrating the Fourth of July Friday.

The bands, the floats, the excitement. The Ashland parade rolled through town Friday morning.

But beyond the traditional entries, Ashland's biggest event of the year is about politics, diverging view points, and the sharing of ideas.

"I think it's nice. I think people need to be aware of what's going on. It's fun to bring it up in a fun atmosphere," says Hilary Eselin, who was at the parade with her family for the first time.

The local businesses, churches and community groups in the parade are the essence of this year's theme "Commitment to Community."

"I think that means volunteering. I think that means being aware of what's going on in your community and not being afraid to step up and take part," says Suzanne Lang, a longtime Ashland resident.

Crowds lined the streets and watched from roof tops as the parade went by. Thousands of people have turned out for the parade. For some, this is a yearly event. But for others, this was their first time celebrating the Fourth in Ashland.

At 94-years-old, Martha Bell is enjoying her first Ashland parade as she hands out American flags.

"My mother always saw to it that even as a small sized girl and into teenage that we all had quite a fair sized flag to wave as the parade went by."

For many at the parade, expressing their individuality is what celebrating independence is all about.

Organizers expected more than 25,000 people to attend this year's event.