Music Hello everyone and welcome to the 43rd annual City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade. I'm Rita Roth, Table Television Manager for the City of Fairfax. Hi, boy it's great to have you here. I know this is amazing to actually be out with Lou for once in a while. I'm Lou Katz, I co-host the 97.1 wash up and morning show and I think we were talking a moment ago with 6, 7, 8 years of experience. Yeah I believe this is your sixth or seventh time hosting a parade with us and Yeah, this is my actually this is my 18th parade But for the past 17 years I've been the director back in the TV production trucks So it's fun to come out and actually get to watch the parade with you look. It's great We couldn't have a better day. I mean the humidity levels are low. Hold on. Let me check the humidity Yeah, perfect. It is perfect. Everybody's got their flags on the parade around getting ready for the 4th of July. Everybody's patriotic and ready to go. And what's really neat is by the way of course is being on city screen 12 on Cox and Verizon cable. You can also watch it on the internet right? You can if you go to www.fairfaxva.gov you can click on city screen 12 and watch us there. And you can see at any time if you miss some certain spots Or maybe you along the parade around and you want to see what you look like Check it out that way too. Check it out later and actually you can call your family and friends around the world really and let them know Hey, you can see my career. So it's all happening on this 4th of July and we also have a special guest joining us today too as well one of my co-workers with 97..1 Washington, my promotions coordinator at the radio station, Ashley Thornas, with us out on the streets. Good morning, Ashley. Good morning, Lou and Rachel. Good morning. Thank you for having me. Happy Fourth of July. What's the July to you? Gorgeous day we have here. The weather's amazing. Hopefully it will stay just like this all through the day for the parade and for the fireworks show later tonight. I have a family here, the Huyler family, who have been coming to the parade since 1977. What's your name, guy? Will Huyler. I'm Bob Huyler. And you all have been coming for over 30 years now. 30 years. Yeah, we moved here in late 76 and so 77 is the first fourth of July we had here. And I was in the City of Fairfax Band for many years in marched into the parade and well was in it with a variety of groups. And several times I was in the parade several times as in several different musical groups. And so I'd finish with one group and then go back and be in the other group. And I think one time I was in the parade three times. We've been coming here every year, a couple of years at Reigned, so we couldn't do that. And we've been here in hot weather and cooler weather and it's been a lot of fun. Excellent. Well you guys are familiar faces around here then. You guys are professional. This week, this year. So he's marching with the children on the light dancers and we just love this parade. It's a family fun event and it's never changes each year and it's a real fun time for everybody. We'll keep an eye out for her. Thank you guys very much. Enjoy your floor. Back to you, Lauren Rachel. Okay, thank you very much Ashley. One of the neat things I know that when you guys prepare every year for the parade here is coming up with a different theme, right? Oh yes. There's a competition every year for the theme. And this year's theme winner is Kayleen Nol. She is actually an art student from Alfred University. I guess she just recently graduated and has moved to Alexandria. Now how do they do this? They go to different schools or... You know that is a good question. They used to open it up to the local schools and to get someone to come up with what the theme is going to be and then they would get a graphic artist to come up with a graphic to go with it but this year since she is a graphic artist she came up with not only the theme but also the graphic that you see now. And it's great. And by the way, Kaylee, we want to thank her parents for pushing her and making her go full speed and putting this thing together. I love the graphic and I love the work. It's really wonderful. It is a lot of fun. And you know, you can't stand up about parents being encouraging to their kids. Just encourage them with their dreams and they'll go far. And to be so, so involved with such a wonderful thing, the 4th of July in this celebration, it's been got to be pretty proud of her. Oh, absolutely. It's a great, great, uh, pain for the parade. And also for this year, our grand marshal is Gene A. Do you talk about someone supporting people with your dreams? Gene has been a music teacher for many years. She is just a great supporter of the arts, where I believe it's over 25 years. She has served on our commission of the arts. She has been the board of directors many times. She's a wonderful, wonderful lady. She's involved with also the parts of her creation committee as well. They've been very active. There's going to be a new community center here. I heard about that. What is the story about that? Absolutely. It's wonderful. The Sherwood family has donated $5 million to the city. Yes, they love the arts so much, they wanted to have a community center here in the city of Fairfax. And Gene AGR Grand Marshall has been very active in helping develop what the community center should be. What type of rehearsal space should be, the performance space, that type of thing. Where is it going to be located? It will be by Van Dyke Park over by the new police headquarters. Oh, very, very cool. Yeah. And I understand she's got a bachelor's degree in music education too, and has been so involved with all kinds of things here in the city. It's great. She has. She's really been an instrumental person here in the city of Fairfax and speaking which are honorary Grand Marshal Burr-Peter, Lieutenant Burr-Peter, I should say, retired Lieutenant Burr-Peter. It's with our City of Fairfax Police Department and he just recently retired this past year. I know he joined the force in 1980, right? Right, that is correct and Burr was very active with so many different groups at the Police Department with the K-9 unit, the patrol officers, but he's probably best known for his involvement with the community and interacting with the community. He was on the Salts Committee, which also is senior citizens working together with law enforcement officers, and he's also involved with the Triad, which is also a group of local civic groups that get together and work in conjunction with the law officers. And it's just really... No, when it comes to around to deciding who's going to be the grand marshal, how's that the term going? Well, the Independence Day Celebration Committee, which yes, the committee, they work very hard at coming up with different nominees of who's going to be, you know, the Git nominees for the grand marshal and the honorary grand marshal. And some years it's very clear who it should be. And I know there's many years, there's so many eligible candidates that would just be wonderful. Well, let's believe people that tend to be active in the city are active for so many years in a row. If you don't get to them one year, there's always a next one. Now, besides the parade going on today here in downtown Fairfax, there's the old-fashioned firemen's day events that are going on and that's always a whole lot of fun for the family, right? I understand that I've never been there before, but they have the doing hoses and spraying and they're doing all kinds of stuff like that, right? Oh, they do amazing competitions where they do how fast they can lay the line of hose and they have battle of the barrel, which is a lot of fun when I string up this barrel and it's basically tug-of-war but they use the the fire hose to push the barrel once I take out. So here's a look at some highlights of what that event is. All of our own. I'm going to go to the beach. Doesn't it look good? That will be a lot of fun. As you can see, the parade is actually made its way here. That is the City of Fairfax Police Honor Guard, followed by actually preceded by the motor brigade there. And the police force was actually established back in 1965, shortly after the the pointed then chief Murray Cutner was appointed and they were in the parade in 1966. I don't know how they keep those. I think it's amazing in such a tight space that those motorcycles can maneuver like that with such precision and to get so close to each other They they are amazing Also coming up Armstrong Street now is the city of police honor guard And it's always so touching to see the crowd you know everybody rises to their feet as the flag passes hats off hands over their chest You know, it's just it's amazing to see the picture it doesn't here They just did their feet as the flag passes, hats off, hands over their chest. You know, it's just amazing to see the picture it doesn't hear. Here we have representatives of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard. And they are certainly busy throughout the year, besides just being here in Fairfax to our Fourth of July parade. And they're like... Oh, they look at our walls. They are tight. Yep, they've got it walk. They are tight. Yep. They got it down. They're wonderful. I think uniforms are amazing. Some of the cool things we're going to have today are all. We have some balloons, right? We do have balloons coming. Some of the big balloons. We have always a big hit. Lots of fun. And I believe they have a patriotic theme to them this year. Oh, that'll be fun. You know, very appropriate. I would hope so. But don't forget later tonight, you got the big fireworks display kicking off at 920 at Fairfax High School. Right, but you're going to want to come early. The evening show actually starts at 7. And at 7 o'clock, the electives, which is a group that features none of the city of Fairfax Mayor Robert Lederer, several of our council members. We have Steve Stombrase and Dan Drummond and David Meyer are in the band. And yeah, it's just going to be a really fun time. And I understand Ashley is out in the crowd and she's got some folks ready to go. What you got Ashley? Hi guys, I'm here with Christa. She is a Fairfax resident. She's lived here her entire life. So she is no stranger to the festivities here on the 4th of July. How are you I'm doing pretty good. You're here with your whole family behind us here? Yeah, we are. Tell me, what do you like best about living in Fairfax? I just love being here, you know, like all the festivities that go around here, you know, we have the parade obviously, you know, which is a lot of fun. We get together every year to do the fireworks too. Making a family tradition? Oh yeah, definitely. What are some other fourth-degree life traditions that you and your family have? Well, we usually go for a picnic, I'm a grandma's, and we usually go for the fireworks over at Fairfax. Sounds like fun. Well, you enjoy the day. Back to you guys up in the booth. Great, thanks a lot, Ashley. And I believe now we've got the color guard for the Fairfax volunteer fire department. And they provide high-quality emergency medical care and fires to Christian rescue services, all that stuff. Through a team of volunteers that also work hand in hand with our career firefighters, we do have a fire department step of, it's a combination of volunteers and paid firefighters and they just do a wonderful job working together. Yeah, we're about to see all the apparatus that they use day in and day out 24-7 and of course you know when they're not out making calls and helping people out they're polishing those things up. They take a lot of pride in that equipment. Do you take good care and it's always amazing to me how great the fire tracks always look. The first form back in 1928 and in 1940 that's when they started first paying staff members to start working along with the volunteers. Yeah and in 1978 is when the Career Department started and to this date of volunteers still work side by side with our career firefighters. We do have two stations we've got, Prior of Station 3. That's right here on the University of Erype and Station 33, which is located off of Fairfax Boulevard. When they're doing their fundraising, make sure you help them out, keep that in mind. Absolutely Friday night at Station 3. We've got Bingo at 715. Lots of fun. You can also, they're always looking for volunteers to help with the Bingo night. So, you know, you can definitely get in contact with our volunteer firefighters to find out more about that. You can see they're moving up Armstrong Street right now. Oh yeah, we can hear it too. We can't miss that. Once again, if you're just joining us, this is live coverage of the 43rd annual Independence Day parade here in the city of Fairfax. I'm Luke Katz with Racial Roth and we hope you're having a great fourth of July and you're doing all the festivities as we're giving you an update here on television today on city screen 12. Oh yeah. A little pause in the action right now. Exactly. I believe we got the hard to tell that I believe that was our, the volunteer fire chief bill bone. And he's been serving with the volunteers. I don't know how it is for her very long time, many decades. And it's really amazing how everything has to be organized and what all they have on these apparatus. They got to be ready to throw this thing. It's a moving hospital. It really is and it's ingenious the way they can pack everything in. They got to be ready to get these things set up and go out and handle all kinds of emergencies here in the city of Fairtracks and beyond for that matter if they're called out. That's right. And they serve not only in the city of Fairfax, but also out in Fairfax County. We basically, if they need to be called outside, they go. We have AB volunteer members with the Fairfax volunteer fire department. There's 50 career personnel within the department. And it's just nice knowing that they're there. There's a certain comfort factor in being aware that they're out there to help out when needed. It's really a wonderful thing. Oh yeah. Some other activities going on in the area today here in Fairfax. You've got to one o'clock today, the Legato Schools open as Guthrie Open House. That's always a fun thing. They do. Yeah, and actually, Legato School, which, yeah, it, I've been told the story on the pronunciation of the school. The locals, that's the way they pronounced it. Oh, really? Legato School. And so in deference to them, they, they kept it that way. And that is open until, to 1 p.m. We also have the Racklothalsen House on Main Street is open until one and of course the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center which opened on Fourth of July few years ago. I'm trying to remember what year that was but they opened Their doors on the fourth of July and today they'll be open till four o'clock That's great. Oh, it's a lot of fun and again getting back to the evening show We want to make sure everybody knows that the Fairfax city band will be performing a Broadway extravaganza tonight with guest vocalist and it should be a lot of fun. Now the mayor's uh... actually gonna be performing. Yeah the mayor's band the elected they will be performing. And what does he play? I'm not sure and I should know I don't know if he plays rhythm with his heart. It's a pop quiz. I started to feel bad, oh my gosh. I should know. I know Dan Drummond does the drums. Yeah, kind of. Fits. So, you know, it's going to be a lot of fun. They play at seven and then the city band will take over. I believe it about seven, thirty or so. Right. And after the Broadway extravaganza, they will also be playing the 1812 overshore right before the fireworks start. That's always a great way to lead into it. I understand we're gonna have representatives from a wash up and team coming out, handing out their fans. Absolutely. Because you know Rachel, I am one of your biggest fans. Thank you. I am. Fourth of July and beyond. I wanted your fans too. And right now we're gonna check back with Ashley to see what's going on down on the street. Okay, Ashley, take it away. Hi guys. I'm here with some younger Fairfax residents and they just wanted to tell me what they're looking forward to at the parade. How are you guys doing? What do you want to see in the parade? What do you want to see? Motorcycles. Motorcycles. Motorcycles. Yeah. What about you guys? What would you like to see? Um, um, fire trucks. Yeah, we're going to see all that and more coming up shortly. Can you guys say goodbye? Hi, back to you, hello and Ashley. Thanks a lot. That was a lot of fun. Oh, motorcycles. You know, you can't beat the motorcycles. They were a lot of fun. Oh, motorcycles, you know, you can't beat the motorcycles. They were a lot of fun. Now, do they, are we gonna have the go-carts? We're gonna have the go-carts. Oh, absolutely. Well, I believe the Kena Shriners are going to be here. And I believe the mini-core vests will be here. I mean, it wouldn't be a parade without the mini-core vests. It's live coverage of the 43rd annual City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade. We're thrilled to have you here. We've got a great crowd along the parade route today. And there's food down here. You've got all kinds of wonderful vendors with all kinds of things to keep you cool. And the weather's just nice. It's just looking good. Oh, it is absolutely perfect. Just a gentle breeze. It's keeping us nice and cool. It's wonderful. You got several different divisions today actually got seven different divisions of folks coming in the parade lineup and I understand the redskins and representatives they do the hog hats will be here yes they will be here in full force I do believe there are always a whole lot of them and of course lots of the area of marching bands and then also marching bands from across the country are going to be here to entertain us as well. You bring a lot of different things. Oh, and they're fantastic. They really are. Yeah, they're wonderful. A couple of things to keep in mind if you're going to be at Fairfax High School tonight for the fireworks activities. Again, they should be kicking off approximately at 920 this evening. And they have that really wonderful synthetic turf out there that they're proud of taking good care. Absolutely. So please please anything that could puncture the turf, please leave it at home. Right. Any lawn chairs with spikes or anything like that, we just can't have it on this synthetic turf. And also remember too, as much as we all love our pets, please, please leave Fido at home. Guy dogs certainly, of course, allow them. Allow them. Yes. But do keep that in mind. But most pets really aren't happy with the fireworks anyway. Oh yeah, they already go crazy over there. Yeah, it's uncomfortable for their ears and it just becomes unpleasant. Absolutely. Absolutely. But definitely it's going to be a fun time at Fairfax High School. Just a reminder, this replay of the parade will be scheduled daily starting today at 2pm and also on the weekends at 7 o'clock. So be sure to tune in on channel 12 on either Cox River Rising and again anytime you would like to watch it you can check out our website www.fairfaxva.gov and you can look at the video archive anytime you'd like and you can also look at past grades I believe 2007 and 2008. This is like a third year we've been on the internet. It is. And matter of fact, that was the very first thing we did as far as live streaming was the 2007 Independence Day break. All of this could not be put on without a special thanks to our sponsors. And we want to take a second out this morning to thank some of those, including our friends with the Fairfax City auto dealers, also TD Bank, America's most convenient bank. it's been great to have them involved. And also our donor sponsors like the City of Fairfax Band, we have Metro Silver Diner, Destination Fairfax, Lisco's on and on. And without their support, it would be really tough to put this production on. And again, we want to thank them and all the other sponsors involved there. Speaking of destination Fairfax, they are going to be distributing fans, fans I believe as they're to folks along the parade route so to keep you cool they they've got some fans that they're distributing. Speaking of the parade route right now coming up Armstrong we're starting to see some more fire apparatus. Oh yeah these are always fun. The big boy too is coming. I the big truck big ladder truck We haven't seen we haven't seen her for Michael Sam yet No, not yet, but Uncle Sam should be coming. Uncle Sam should be here any moment Also, I'm Rachel another little quick pop quiz. Do you know how old America is today? Oh gosh, what would we be? 200 233 Right, I can do math. Yeah, you got it Thanks for putting me on the spot the city of Fairfax Making their way up the parade right right now. You're seeing all the all the this is this supposed to be the big guy here in a 403. Yes, this is the big bladder truck. It's amazing. The City of Fairfax Truck 403. Followed by the engine 433. And I believe that truck, that that is equipped it basically is the same thing as an ambulance except for cannot transport people. Oh actually. So it's got all of the same equipment, the same gear. And again we can't begin to thank all of our volunteers with the Fairfax fire department for everything they do and all the coverage they do day in and day out. And once again we can't stress out important, it's to help them out when they're fundraising activities are going on here and there as be sure to donate and help them out as well. Oh absolutely. And you know another way to help these guys out is you know when you're driving out on the roads and keep your radio down enough so that you can hear their sirens coming up behind you or just if they're coming and and get over to the side Get out of the way because I know that's one of the frustrations and gridlock traffic sometimes You got to make room for him. Yeah, I had to get out of the way Now when you all start planning this event really what just a few months after it's over right? I believe they take a very short break and then jump right back in a month later Right and the committee works year-round I believe they take a very short break and then jump right back in a month later. Right. And the committee works year round, a great group of dedicated individuals that work very hard to get everything organized. How did you first get involved? Well, actually, you're working with the city. So basically, and I came back in 91 July 28, 1991. So I just missed the parade but so I had about a year under my belt before I was told that oh yeah, and by the way you do live coverage of the parade and it's come a long way since since then the parade With always very good, but yeah, we have come a long way Have you had situations where you've had bad weather? I mean in the last since I've been doing Here's the weather is pretty decent. We've never had a big wash out. Yeah, we have not had a wash out in the past 17 years. Wow. We've had a few mornings where we got a little bit of sprinkles, but that was it. But, uh, one of the things I did forget to tell you about, if you're going to Fairfax High School tonight for the fireworks is the Shuttle Bus schedule. You're going to need to know this but forget trying to park at FHS it's just not really happening shuttle buses will be running starting at 830 late excuse me later on tonight they'll be running from 7 until 915 and There'll be returning to spectators of frost middle fireworks are gonna run of you know starting 920 probably run at least a half an hour So right oh yeah, yeah, so it's a great fireworks show. One, two, three, great. Okay, so we are ready with our grand marshal Genie G is now coming into view and she currently is the chair of the Fairfax Commission on the Arts. And she's also a former member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. And she, as I said before, she has just been so involved with the arts here in the city of Fairfax. And she's been very helpful with the development of the Sherwood Community Center, as we said. And it's just wonderful for her to be the grand marshal this year. That's great to see her riding in such a very classic, a Ford Mustang. I think I sort of know my cars. I'm guessing that's a 65 It could be 64 65 64 She she just so many wonderful things for the community playing a major role in coordinating the old town hall performance series even the Friday Morning music club Now we have a look at our grand Marshall right? music club. Now we have a look at our grand marshal, right? This is actually the bird feature. It was our honorary grand marshal and he is the retired lieutenant and he came to the city of Fairfax in June of 1980. Retired just this past January and he served in the patrol division for many years as an officer and worked his way up to supervisor and also was in charge of the department's motor squad. But he is best known for his work with the community service section. And doing stuff with the Fairfax Police Youth Club too, I understand. Yeah, he actually coached soccer. Yeah, just a really great person to be honoring this year and he's just always been so active. And you know, with with the FPYC, which is a Fairfax Police Youth Club, you know, serving on their board of directors and just very active. Right. It's great to have Bert in our parade today. Absolutely. Again, another moment or two to take a second out to thank some of our folks that helped put all this together with the Independence Day celebration parade Beverly Myers who's done such a wonderful job. She is really the work of art. She is a firecracker isn't she? She is just so full of energy. We love her enthusiasm and she has done a fabulous job as the chair of the Independence Day celebration committee and you know she's organized a lot of facts for us too so she's really helped us out this year so Beverly thank you we love you and we know you're working hard right now. I want to thank all those sponsors too that have donor sponsors like Pacers running shoes, paint your own factory, Potomac Classic Thunderbird Club and I'm suspecting we're gonna be seeing a bunch of Thunderbirds in there. You know I believe so and quite a few mustangs and oh it's gonna be great. Yeah, if you like classic cars, there's plenty of those coming down the pike absolutely. And more activity now making its way up Armstrong. I believe those are the marching rebels from Fairfax High School. Oh boy. Yeah, they sound good. It's so great to have them marching in the parade. I mean this is their city and it's wonderful for them to be the Leoff marching band. They're directed by Megan Benson, a 19, excuse me, a 2008 that took second place in the Smoky Mountain music festival in Gatton'sburg, Tennessee, and also third place in the city of Fairfax Independence Day parade. So they've been making moves. The first band to come up on Armstrong Street today. Absolutely. Let's give them a listen. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm not going to be able to do it Well, they sound great with their patriotic-sense-sense wonderful. And they've picked up a bunch of rewards over the years. They've been around since 1936 performing and participating and it's great. Oh yeah, and then looking sharp too. Oh, it looks like we got a great antique vehicle. How will I meet a high school marching band there? Looks like I'm guessing that it's a Chevrolet. 48. Yeah, 1948. And that is our mayor, Robert F. Letterman, and his family, as he makes the way down. The Rob Letterman was first elected to the City Council back in 1982. He has served three terms in the 1980s. Okay, and this is Steve Summers. This is his first term on City Council. He has served on historic Fairfax City Inc in the past, also very active with the American Legion and Daniels run PTA. Also, he's coach's soccer for the FPYC. So that must be the reason. How did they get the time to do all this stuff? They are just amazing. Now we see David Meyer. He is also in his first term, Fierran Council, but he has been very active with historic Fairfax City Inc. He was also one of the co-authors of Fairfax Virginia, a city traveling through time. And now we see Jeff Greenfield, who this is his eighth term actually on City Council. And he and his wife are living with your daughter and he's been very active and so many different committees, and they just are amazing citizens of Fairfax and just been very active and actually Gary got his degree from University of Wisconsin. And right now we're looking at Joan Cross and she is a four-term City Council member. She's been very active with developing destination Fairfax and just is very active with you know trying to really help the city and Dan Drummond we're announcing he is a first-term council member and he formerly was on the economic development authority and also Parkham Recreation Advisory Board so he is also would be playing tonight I believe he's playing drums. So and Janice Miller, boy, Janice her first term on the City School Board, but she also represents the city on the County Superintendent's Board. And now we see Julie Knight, this is her third term, and she is an alternate delegate to the Virginia School Board Association to the Washington area Board of Education. So I must say all these people are afraid of these school cars too. And John Batchram is actually the vice chair of our school board. This is his third term. He is an active member and a number of our community organizations. He also has held offices on our Park and Recreation Advisory Board and the Southeast Fairfax Citizen Association. So John is very active. And Jonathan Early now, we see he's our high school. Every year the board, the school board has a representative from the high school. And so yes, Jonathan is an Eagle Scout. He just recently got his Eagle Scout. So and now we see the Commissioner of Revenue, Paige Johnson, and just a heads up, he too plays in the elected. So. The Commissioner of Revenue. I guess he's one of these people that can use a calculator without looking at. Exactly. I mean, if it's dealing with revenue, right? Right. He's a number of men. He's got it down. And this is his third term and I believe those are four year terms. So pages have been with us for a while. And now it looks like we've got Boy Scouts 1887. And they are sponsored by the American Legion Post 177. I understand they were formed back in 1980. They've been in a parade for more than 15 years. Wow. And the troop has produced 40 Eagle Scouts. That's pretty amazing. 40 Eagle Scouts. You've got Cub Scout troop 1114, which is sponsored by the American Legion Post 177. 21 members and a led by Cubmaster Mark Labo. And over the years, many of the Cubs have gone on to become Boy Scouts. And now we're actually seeing the flow for the American Legion post 177. And their commander is Robert Sussan. And let's see, I believe this post was formed back in 1944 and the meeting was held to organize the then down fair backs to have a post, the American Legion post year. He then, down the fair backs, to have a post, the American Legion post here. Love this load? First official float making his way up on strong today. He's done a great job, very patriotic. Three years. Nine, three, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine, nine I believe that is Lehman Young if I'm not mistaken. He is 93 years old and just recently we actually did a oral history with Lehman and it's just a fascinating individual. He flew planes in World War II but he would tell stories about he basically would fly his plane. He was a journalist and so he'd fly from here Take off from his field an open field and land Just up out what is now just half a 14th free grid But there was an open field and he said he would just tie the tail of his plane To one of the fence posts there and and would go in catch the bus and go work at the Washington Post Well, I'm sure the story's gonna tell tell us. Oh, he just has many, many stories. Now we see some motorcycles decked out very patriotically for the Fourth of July parade. Today would be a perfect day to ride on the motorcycle. Oh, I love how they have more object up with the flags. Oh yeah, looks great. You got this one here to try the, I'll say the tricycle. Yeah, this is a big, what's this? What's this? It doesn't have the side curve, but that is a big boy's patriotic deal there. Now you're looking at the floats from the city of Fairfax Band, and they are actually on the throat right now performing. The band was formed back in 1969 and then the director was Matt Heinz and he basically just recruited a bunch of people to do some summer concerts, which we still do here on Thursday nights at the Vitter & Zanth Theatre. And in 1974 Dr. Thomas Hill took over and for many many years was the conductor of the band and it's just really grew and in 1994 Bob Puliott took over as a music director. And then got some overtime schedule for tonight they're gonna be a Fairfax High School right? They are you're not gonna want to miss that Broadway extravaganza it's gonna be great they sound wonderful. And again Nick gets under way tonight if you're gonna take take the family there at 7 o'clock, the fireworks should be kicking off at 920 this evening. Again, a Fairfax high. And here is our parade theme winner, Kylie Nol. And once again, hand in hand, United Bestand is the this year's love one, as you can see on their shirts, there it is. So congratulations to her. Did a great job. The veterans of Foreign War, the blue and gray post, 8469. The Fairfax Virginia Color Guard you're seeing right now. Oh yeah. Great. Now they are led by Kuwait Houston and there are over 300 members in this local unit. But then there's world wide. There's over 2.2 million. It's great to have them in our parade today. And the VW dates back actually to the Spanish-American War back in 1889. You've been walking the whole parade around? That's a nice float too. Thank you guys for all your service. And we have now we're looking at the Father Walter Malloway assembly of the Knights of Columbus. They participated in a break for over 10 years with their fellow guard in Marching Unit. They were chartered back in 1882 as a fraternal benefit society. Basically founded on the principle of charity unity and fraternity. They have up to 1.7 million members and it's great to have them around here in our parade today. I love the outfits. I know the hats are great. We've got a lot of the feathers. Okay, so just joining us now, we're providing live coverage here on CityScream12, Luke Katz, and Rachel Roth for the 43rd Annual Independence Day parade here in the City of Fairfax. We're thrilled to have you watching today. If you couldn't make it longer parade route, we have some more dignitaries too. Yeah, it looks like we've got Bob McDonald and that looks like Tom Davis riding writing with him, as well as Lieutenant Governor Bill Bola. And the stream of dignitaries are making their way up here today. Yep, that is David Bolava. He is our delegate representative here in the city. Graduate of the College of William & Mary. And it's wonderful to have him and looks like his families with him today too. Absolutely. And coming up next we have Senator, State Senator Chap Peterson, other than 34th district. He grew up right here in the City of Fairfax. Manorfax's family goes way back in this region and he's a graduate of Fairfax High School. My family. Great to see him with his family. And he has served two terms on the City Council. And in 2001, he ran for the House of Delegates and won. And most recently has been elected to this gate senate. Also making its way up to parade route this morning and a cool must-daink convertible is Congressmen. It's so nice the parade route this morning and a cool Mustang convertible is Congressmen it's so nice Congressmen Jerry Connolly and this is his first term as the US House of Representatives and of course before that He was with the Fairfax County border supervisors Great to see him here glad he could make it today. Oh My goodness, we got some serious dignitar areas here. Oh boy. We got the hog at. Here they are. Up here they come and of course with the hills of the rescue and steam leading them in. You know I've rumored that this all started because one time one of the big Redskins fans decided to put on his grandmother's dress to go to a party. It was a Halloween party. Really? And it was such a big hit that they started wearing it to the games. Surprising. And it continues to this day, the tradition. Let's enjoy now the marching Redskins band. Okay, now I feel like, you know, we got to have our hot dog or something to watch the game. All right, for the game to start. Right. Oh, they're working on cymbals. The interesting 12 active and 15 former members including three who have been inducted into the pro football hall of fame as part of the Visa Hall of Fame. Wow. Red skin and hog heads. Yeah, the hog heads I believe also made it into a music commercial. Seeing representatives now from the City of Fairfax seniors center. Yeah, they put together a great float They were formed back in 1986 and This is I believe they're fifth year in the parade and it's open to all seniors ages 55 and older and they do lots of great activities They've got exercise classes and bridge groups bingo games dance classes dance classes, they go out for day trips, they go out for special lunches, performances, they do all kinds of great fun things. And there of course also sponsor that annual delicious spaghetti dinner. Oh, you don't want to miss those. That's always fun. They also do antique and trinket a praises show, which is a lot of fun. If you've got some family heirloom that you're wondering if it's worth anything you can bring it. Rachel is this possible that a plane is just here on our show? You know I think it was Lehman Young's plane. I don't know. I think that was probably very close to what Lehman used to fly. The Fairfax, the Fly Fairfax, air circus air show. I think they're located out in Vielton, Virginia, but they've been participating in the break for many years. And they dazzle the crowds out in Vielton with all these fancy, you know, the old barnstorming tricks. It's amazing. Are you seeing representatives now from the Center Dance Company making their way up here? Got their little costumes on? They also appear in Parade such as the City of Fairfax, sorry, City of Falls Church in Clarex and forays, and they also do the net cracker every year. And there's all kinds of pages from 3 to 83 that get a full of the Center Dance Company and our hats off to them for all the entertainment and things that they provide year-round. It's great to have them. Yeah, the pretty costumes, they look great. And I believe next we have the district of Columbia Fire Department. It's actually made up of 33 different companies, 16 trench companies and three heavy duty rescue squads. They also have a hazmat unit, a methrough unit. A couple air units, they have two different kinds of foam units, three fire boats and a mass casualty unit. They were praying they never have to actually use even a cabin unit. They're prepared pretty much for everything. Yeah, they protect a 69 square mile area around the district of Columbia, so they've got to be ready for whatever comes their way. And of course on bicycles too. And then we've got our George Mason University Police Department. Just our neighbors directly to our south. It's great to have them here in the parade and I'm a gruff the crime door. I can take a bite of the cron. Get that guy. Ashley, we see she give them a bit. Give them a note. Oh, they got a segue. Now there's a way to go through the bridge. That's that way you go. That's traveling in style right there. Check out the wheels out on that thing. That's a cool thing. That is great. I've heard though you got, you know, it takes a little bit of getting used to you, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy. Yeah, it looks like a lot of fun. I'm hearing another band. The Red Wing High School Martian band out of Minnesota. And are you promised several bands from out of the state? Here's one of them. They've accumulated news and news awards and recited for excellent performances throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin and we like them here in Virginia too. I think they're all so tired after that. Yeah, you know, Swirlin is legs, the whole praver I think would be a lot. It sounds like we got a little West Side Story soundtrack going here. They have this sound great. Look at that cool drum set. Wow, that was fantastic. Grouts like that. Oh, absolutely. The presentation was just amazing. I'm going to join now Ashley Throne from 97.1 to watch FM. She's following some of the activities out along the sides of the parade route. Ashley, what have you got for us right now? Ashley, we'll check back with Ashley in just a moment, but first we're going to take a quick look at the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue. This is a vision A, we were formed back in the fall of 1947 by residents because the nearest fire department was in Anandale and the city of Airpaks So they decided that Burke needed to have their own. That's a cool jeep pick-up job. Yeah, that was pretty cool. By 1949 they had 49 active volunteers and ranch 26 calls that year. They made up of dedicated volunteers. They work at the Fairfax County Fire and Fire Department and Rescue Department in July and of course support from local residents and businesses. And they've won a bunch of awards too. Yeah, that's the first day. So we'll have to definitely check them out later this afternoon and see how they do this year. Now you notice the colors on these. You know why these this color and not red? Why is that? Oh come on, you don't notice? I don't notice. It's been proven that red at night is a very difficult color to see. So that's why they do this. You'll see a lot of fire departments. That's what's just like a white or a lime color like you're seeing now. Strictly for visibility purposes. Yep The things you were here by being part of the broadcast. That is very good to know. Oh, it's got the incredible Hulk on the back of there. That's pretty cool. And now we have the Barcroft Bible Church. This is their third year at the City of Fairfax Independence Day parade. And they reflect the rich and varied international experience in our community. The Ministry groups partner together to meet both physical and spiritual needs of our community. The Ministry groups partner together to meet both physical and spiritual needs of the community. The Bible camp is offered for free to kindergarteners through six graders. In fact, there are 2009 camp starts on the 13th of this month. Yeah, so they might still have some openings. The beautiful flow. Sounds like some Harley's in the back. Yeah I do believe the hogs have arrived. That's the Fairfax Virginia chapter of the Harley Davidson owner. Reven their engine. Now this chapter is really involved here in the community. They are part of the city of Fairfax, the Gopsis Fod, they do the ride of the Patriots every Memorial Day, which is amazing to see. This is all the motorcycles they need. It's a Patriot Harley Davidson on Fairfax Boulevard and then they go out on 66 and it's just really amazing to see. I think you've been busy all year long. They're involved with the both Candy Ride, which is, of course, the conjunction with the Chocle Lover Festival in Refeduary. They do the overnight destination rides, picnics, of course, charity events and all. It's great to have them as far. This is there, I believe. They're like, they've been involved with us for many, many years. That's quite some time. I think this is their ninth year so I think it's And they are definitely, uh, there's some Spectators they are looking good. They've done a great job attacking out these bikes for the holiday. They look great. You can always tell the sound of a heart attack. Yeah, it has a very distinctive... It's got that growl, you know? A little growl. Exactly. I see a really cool looking, I ever see a really cool Mustang here in just a second. But first we're going to toss it to actually throw it from wash FM radio. Who have you got with you now, Ashley? Hi, Lewin Rachel. We are here. You know, it's not for the July without a good hot dog. And we're here with Joseph and Brandon. Joseph is enjoying what looks like an amazing hot dog. How's that taste today? Really good. It's a great American tradition, right? We have all sorts of great things. Besides watching the parade, there's also some great eats here. We have some, it looks like lemonade, ice cream, and of course hot dogs. So thank you guys for joining us. Do you want to tell everybody happy fourth? I'm fourth of July. All right. Back to you guys. Oh boy, hot dog. Fourth of July in hot dog. They go hand in hand, they really do. And of course he had his red skin shirt on too, so I brought a smile to the face of the Y'all hog asses they went by. Oh yeah, absolutely. Yeah, those mustangs were neat too. Yeah, those were cars owned by Jerry and Delo Atkins, 1964 and a half sixty four and a half must-have and i think sixty five must-have convertibles okay here's a quiz for you so the nineteen sixty four and a half to you know what that's all about it was issued between sixty four sixty five that's why it was a sixty four and a half that did you know where it made its public okay on april seventeen and sixty four made its premiere at the new york world fair all yeah but actually Okay, on April 17th and 64th made its premiere at the New York World's Fair. Oh, yeah, but actually the night before that, it actually was the paste card as stock car race down in Huntsville, Alabama. Wow. I'll tell you what you're seeing on the screen right now is absolutely amazing. Besides those mustangs, it's the Jim Moyer Circus Club. How they do that? I don't know. That's a true balancing act. Amazing. They've been participants in the parade for many, many years and you know they won many awards. There's all kinds of folks participating in the circus club between the ages of seven all the way up to 17 and they have performed not only here in our city of Fairfax parade over the years but they've performed it places like Kings to Minion, World Cup, even the White House Rachel. Oh wow, that's great. I believe we have a Cubscaught Pack 113 coming up, and this is their 19th year, and they are sponsored by Saint William the Great, the Great Catholic Church here in the city of Garfax. Oh, that's a fun bike. Got a lot of flags and scooters. You don't remember the days of putting baseball cards on? No, you don't. I do. Over the spokes? Yeah, I was. I remember the great sound they used to make. Absolutely. With clothespins, right? That says summer right there. No, absolutely. That says summer in in the fourth of July for sure absolutely and we got a van from a TD bank making its way down the parade route there are one of the nation's most dynamic financial service organizations focusing on delivering an unparalleled customer experience they provide seven day a week branch banking and extended hours. And the coin county machines, which is something that you're seeing in these banks. I love that. They say, wow the customer. It's all about customer service. Right. Absolutely. And here we have, it looks like our Fairfax City Audio-Dee-Lers Association. And they provided a lot of the cards that we saw earlier on the dignitaries writing in and you know It's amazing. That's one of those new Toyota venses the new crossover Riding up Armstrong here right now and we appreciate them being involved every year Fairfax City Auto Dealer's Association. We know they've been going through some tough times and We know that it's been things have been sort of tough for them. That's here that Ashley has got something else lined up for us. Ashley, what have we got? I have some little cuties here. Kevin and Claire look at these outfits. You guys look fantastic all the way down to the flip-flops. How long did it take you to get ready this morning? It'd be an hour. They like to pick out their own clothes. Are you the stylist or did they do this themselves? Oh, Daddy did some. Daddy did. I'm going to hire you next year to be my stylist. You guys are so put together looking very patriotic. Thank you. Oh, isn't that cute. Thank you. Thanks Ashley. Yes, they look fantastic. And this is the Fairfax County Deputy Sheriff's Coalition, Pipe and Drums. I believe the tartan they wear is the Malcolm Family Tartan. And there we have John Frey. He's actually the clerk of course of the perfect family. He's a graduate of West Springfield High School and a full new firm university. And there's Sharon Bolivos. She is the chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. And she was elected chair in this past February. She represented the Bratwick District since 1987, I believe. And this is Pat Herady. He represents the Springfield District and has since 2007. And he earned professional awards from the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. And this is John Cook. He is also Fairfax County Board of Supervisors elected this past year. And he represents the Bratwick District. And this is Linda Smith, board supervisor. And she was actually born in Missouri and then moved to Northern Virginia in 1972. So she's been here for a while and she represents the Providence District. First elected to the Board of Supervisors here in 2003 and has been reelected over many years. Oh, and here we have a representative who looks like he's a little hot or she's a little hot. Where's my water bowl? Where's my water bowl? And there's the Fairfax Nursing Center. Have decked out their bus this morning or the Fourth of July. They've been in the parade for over 20 years. They were founded back in 1964 and it's great to have them involved again this year with our parade. Absolutely they've earned a reputation of having excellent quality health care. It's a great surprise that you get those flags. Yeah. And coming up next we have a chancellor Virginia high school lightning regiment color color guard in and marching band. I guess 12 times they've been awarded the Virginia Honor Band title. Let's see what they sound like this morning. They are under the direction of Ryan Adair. He is the assistant marching director and the assistant marching director is Jessica Survey. When they're not here at the parade here in the Sridia Fairfax, you'll find them during the fall of many football games and various competitions. And they have a nice casual look. Oh yeah, they definitely got a short time look you know I bet in the fall they've got their full year for and of course you know a football game wouldn't be a football game without the bounce of the band. It looks really add something to the atmosphere. And it looks like we've got some dignitaries coming up. That is Dr. Scott Graybrand. He is the high school principal or was the high school principal for Fairfax. High school, my understanding is he only has a week or two left, but he has been promoted to the Plus 4 Super Intended for Fairfax County. So congratulations to Dr. Braiban. And Ann Monday is in a vehicle. She is our city of Fairfax superintendent of schools. And got some of her paintings. How did you send so many people in a little mosque? I know, I was in the evening, but I can do that. This is Kathy Molenex. She is our principal for Daniels Run Elementary School, formerly known as Laten Hall, and she's been here since 1998. She taught in Arlington, also often pan-medicine for several years, and also worked for the Secret Service for five years. And now we have a float from Fairfax High School. In 2008, they won second place and the Marin Council Award and a third place for float entry. So we'll see what happens this year, but it looks like they've done a good job. You could tell that the students at Fairfax really put a lot of effort into that float. Oh yeah. That was not an easy thing to make. And it ties in nicely with the theme hand in hand United West Ant. Very nice. And I do believe I hear Frank Traxel. Oh I see it, I think so. I think so. They sent a real volunteer fire department, part of our parade here today for this 4th of July. They joined us for the sixth time. They've been around providing emergency services and fire coverage since 1950. Looking good. We just saw the president of Sandy Spring Bank drive by the areas and they officially opened their doors back in 1868 more than than 140 years ago, and it is the oldest independent banking institute in Maryland. And the second largest publicly traded bank in Maryland. You know how hard it was to cash a check back in 1868? I will say I had to wait on mine forever Rachel for that. Oh, I see another cool must-have here in progress. Oh, you know how cool is that? But that's not a cool size. I don't think you and I would fit in that. No, I think so. I don't think we'd be, yeah, we're not going to be able to squeeze into that. How cool is that? That is very cool. Oh, we got some clowns here today, too. And I do believe we've got our first patriotic balloon making its way towards us, Blue. We have the American flag and you know, no one knows with absolute certainty who designed the first stars and stripes or who made it. But it's believe that Congressman Francis Hopkins was probably designed it. But many historians believe that the Ross with the one to actually the seamstress that made it. Right. That is huge. Oh, that is huge. We've got about two dozen handlers on there. Yeah. About two dozen handlers. They're holding that thing down. That is beautiful. Great. Yeah, the balloons really add quite a bit, you know, to the parade. It's just an amazing sight to see this gigantic balloon making its way out of the house. It's great. Now it's time to go to Ashley Throne from 97.1, wash FM radio. Ashley, who are you with now? I'm here with Mario. He's a local, but we also have a special guest all the way from Italy. What's your name? Martino. Martino. Oh. Can you use your grandson? He's my grandson, yes. Right? Okay. He came just here for together we came together for looking at the parade and living with some friends in Austin, Virginia. Excellent. How long is it going to be here for? Until Thursday. That's plenty of time to enjoy the city and to watch the fireworks tonight. You have anything to say to America? Happy birthday, America. Happy birthday, amen. Oh, wonderful. Thank you guys. Thanks a lot. Oh, that was great. And now we're catching a glimpse of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority float. They've done a fantastic job on their float. Makes you want to go camping, doesn't it? That does. They were founded back in 1959 and have supported all kinds of wonderful charities and activities and it's so great to see them involved in our parade today. They've won some awards too. Oh, yeah. They won the Governor Transportation Safety Award for the W&O and D trail. That's some other recognition as well, but I believe we have these Shriners. The key to Shriners. They have a lot of strength. And they come fully equipped. They've got all kinds of little vehicles. You see them marching up here on Armstrong. you see them marching up here on Armstrong. They were chartered back in June 19th of 1952. And they are just amazing. They provide expert no-cost medical care to children under the age of 18 at 22 pediatric hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They have a wonderful saying. No one stands so tall as when he stoves to help a crippled child. I'm sure. Give you some idea of the kind of dedication that you have, Shriners, I'll have every every year. Oh absolutely. And you know, they just really bring such a fun spirit to the parade too. Yeah, it's just really. There's a lot of fun spirit to the parade too. Yeah, it's just really. There's a lot of fun and they do great work. The keen of folks directly support areas like the Philadelphia Unit of the Shriners Hospital, which is co-located with Temple University up in Philadelphia and the Children's Hospital there. Looks like we've got some antique vehicles making their way down the parade route. A squirted by some happy clowns here. Look at that old fashioned bicycle too. Oh yeah. I always thought that that would take a little bit to get the feel of that, that being wheel in the front. You know, it seems like the tiny little motor would knock you over. Rachel, you gotta think your thighs are burning by about this point. Oh, absolutely. And at this point, it's burning as far as I'm alive. Oh, some of these classic cars you're able to get a shot here momentarily. Or We've got all kinds of old classic cars. There's a 1919 and 1924 automobile and another cloud making its way down the roadway. Yeah they they are a lot of fun. Looks like we have some Boy Scouts crossing the parade route there. I hope they look both right here. And they help their leader across the street. Exactly. There's a little one watching the parade having a good time. We really do have the perfect day for a parade. It's just been delightful here. This is wonderful. This side. It's like in the... In 1994, you just had caudic glimpse of there. These are all from our friends with the Kena Shriners and the Car Club. It's always great to have these automobile on display during the parade. Absolutely. I'm sure that the owners do a great job of keeping everything tuned up and well cared for. Is that one have a crank in the front? We've also got a Cadillac here from the 60s. Oh wow. Love the fun. Actually, 1959. The 1950s. I was close. 1959 Cadillillac part of the Kena Carr Club Oh, you see what's behind them well behind the the pipe and drum band I see we've got a our little Corvettes are coming. They're on their way. It's a beautiful They're on their way Beautiful baby blue And now some of the Shrineters performing the pipe pipe and drum band. Oh, here they come. And you got a big core bit and followed behind them. Beautiful. The little cars. They're so cute. I always look forward to seeing these every year and they go by so fast. Yeah, I mean, you can see they're flying down the road. Oh, yeah, here they come. And this is the intricate driving skill here. Oh, yeah. Do not attempt this on the road. Absolutely not. We don't want to see you driving down 123 like this. Everybody loves to see these cars. And parents just cram in there. I mean, these are grown adults. Driving these little cars. Okay, here's the big maneuver right here. Oh, look at that. Chris Gras. Are there fun? Yeah. Oh, they're fun. In case you're just joining us, this is live coverage on City Screen 12 of the 43rd annual Independence Day for right here for the Fourth of July. From Wash FM Radio, I'm Luke Katz along with my co-host Rachel Ross. It's great to have you on the other side of the camera this year. Oh, it's a lot of fun, Luke. I'm having a great time. Everybody on the parade ride, as you can see, up, somebody just covered in ears there. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little bit. A little today and to one o'clock you have the Rackflip Allison house tours and a wonder on a city of Fairfax favorite the old-fashioned fireman's day. Oh yes help us pull off after the parade. I've seen another shot of the Kener in their little cars. Everybody loves that. And of course our fireworks tonight at Fairfax High School fireworks to be shooting off about 9.20. Okay to be opening at seven o'clock or some live music. Yeah, they make it the final five-star. Oh yeah, they make it the final five-star. Oh yeah, they make it the final five-star. Oh yeah, they make it the final five-star. Oh yeah, they make it the final five-star. Oh yeah, they make it the final five-star. Oh yeah, they make it the intricate driving. Oh yeah. Those are big bikes to be swinging around a little part of the street here. They are great. A reminder too that we are doing this live streaming on our website, right? Yes, www.fairfactsva.gov and you can watch it anytime from the archive. You got them up high technology. Absolutely. And look at some of You got them up high technology. Absolutely. And look at some of these motor cycles coming up here now. Of course, just a reminder too, the parade will replay on Channel 12 on Cox and Verizon. Daily at 2. And weekends at 7. There you go. Oh, so there's got a Wally Pop there. We've got a great crowd here today too. A lot of patriotic clothes and flags, it looks great. Good looking group. Also want to thank again many of our sponsors who really do help us out every year, including the Fairfax City Auto Dealers, our friends with TD Bank, America's most convenient bank, the Metro Silver Diner, on the bank them, also our friends with a Fairfax City regional library, the Fairfax Host Alliance club and the list goes on and on. Oh yeah. Look at this classic fire truck here. And he's wearing a gun, too. Oh, we got to come check. Forty-one. They meet at Bonnie Bray Elementary School and I participated in the parade for more than 15 years. They are very active in helping with community cleanups, toys for tots and local food drives. And when they come knocking on your door, please help them out with the food driver in here. Absolutely. So important. They've done a great job getting their scooters all decked out for the fourth and their bikes. Yeah. You see they got the helmets on? Yeah. So Okay. Cub Scalp Hacks 41. Oh, look at these out. Oh, yes. This is the 17th Infantry Company D Fairfax Rifle Colleguard and Marching Unit. They were formed back in 1998 and have participated in the parade for 10 years now. And they are non-for-profit living history group that honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I love those. The paraphiles are lovely. And they portray the lives of ordinary people from 1861 to 1865 to preserve the history of the Americans of a war. They participate in all kinds of neat living history events over an Alexandria Fort Ward the Manassas Museum Sully Plantation. Brandy Station the Blenemastate and Reenactments in New Market set up Cedar Creek and Old Bedford Village Oh yeah. 17th Virginia. Infantry. It's great to have them. They won first place marching unit in this parade in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008. Congratulations to them. Perfect, Jukeleirs. You can't wait to make their way up. I'm strong on our parade on the Fourth of July. They are a fun group. Every Christmas time we have a festival of lighting carols and they weave us in the caroling and it's a great group. We heal them, singing God, blessed America. I mean, the Blobbershop Sports Festival Society and America, they perform for so many different people. It's in organizations organizations that's great. Including at the White House actually they performed on the ellipse and here at Best County for the 9-11 Commarementary of Sarah Money. They're doing a little demonstration down there in front of the viewing stand right now. The outcome from various backgrounds to the floater can chew the layers. There's approximately 50 five of them now and they do some really intricate harmonies and it's amazing that Alpello, Barbara Shop's style just has a very unique... Oh yeah, and that takes a lot of rehearsing. Absolutely. That's not done with the snap of a finger either. It's great to have our Fairfax Jubalayers in our parade today this 4th of July 2009. And next we have the City of Fairfax Republican Committee. They're participating today. They are chaired by Jim Kaplan. He's been a committee member for many years and they are making their way with all the signs and the colors of course you think I think they're wearing the red right the public is doing the red right well you know I'm seeing lots of red light ambulance so just be patriotic today yeah I think that's a little bit. We got a little bit of weight in the flag. Oh, I see the I see the the the Dalmatian there. Err, err, err, err, err. Exactly. They all have that look like, okay, where's my bowl of water? Where's my bowl? A little campaign action there going on. Oh yeah. Got the signs going. Oh yeah. And you know with this display of politicians and McDonald for governor and their group here, it's just a reminder how so important it is when it comes to election time to take the time out the vote. Absolutely. I mean, you look at the statistics and this past presidential election had a great turnout. And it's hopefully a sign of more and more participation, which is really wonderful, because that's really what it's all about is getting behind whatever candidate. Every vote counts. That's where every vote vote counts and you need to voice your opinion so be become active if you're not already pick out a pick out a candidate you want to go with and help them out because you'll feel good and it'll be going a long way towards the process and that's really one of the great parts of America that's right that's what makes us us really one of the freedoms that we so cherish is the ability to go out and be able to vote whenever it's time. So we can't stress enough how important it is. And these little youngsters too, they're going to be golden up soon to dead, be voting as well. Looks like we've got our head over heels, dancers, and fitness group they were formed in 2007. And our first, which is Vincent the Prairie today. They're located right here in Fairfax, Virginia and their students today are showing up a little swing dance. Oh yeah. Looks like fun. Love the dress. Swing dance and they hold way down the prairie grove. He is lasting. Yeah. Well they're almost at the end. There they go. Yep. I love the costumes. Got their patriotic colors going. That's great. It's great to have them again. It's the first time around in our 43rd annual parade. Yeah, fancy footwork going. The city of Fairfax. That's how that works. Well hopefully they will be back for years to come. They were a lot of fun. They're great. They're great. And I believe Ashley is down on the street. I'm not sure who she's with, but let's find out. Ashley, what have you got for us? I'm with Amanda and Carrie. They're from Fairfax. I just had a trivia question for them. That's when we were deciding that National Bird, Benjamin Franklin suggested another bird, other than what we know is the bald eagle. What was that bird? You guys know? The first time. Was it the turkey? It was the wild turkey. I don't know how to. I don't know how to. But the bald eagle I think fits us just fine and plenty of other signs of the country and our freedom today. Thank you for joining us. That's you guys. Ashley, you've been doing your homework. I'm impressed. I'm impressed. I'm impressed. And you know, there's just something about a wild turkey on the top of a flagpole. This wouldn't look quite the same as the American eagle. Hey, can we work on getting that wild turkey in here next year? I'll see what I can do. Rachel, is that compulsions? I'll see what I can do. Now we Oh, it's just amazing to see these beautiful horses. They were formed by a small group of horse owners who wrote up and used them to stuff mailboxes and basically do all kinds of chores. The schedule remaining back in March 1977 with over 90 people attending. The Clifton Horse Society was born at that time and they have been in today's parade and in fact 25 years straight. They are beautiful. Yeah they are just magnificent and they you know decked out for the Fourth of July. I love Tinsel Lomitail. That's a new one. They do all kinds of work with different park authorities. They maintain trails. The Clifton Horse Society to develop even new ones and even at times when they can provide some financial assistance to individuals and groups that are in need of help. Of course the poor guy that has the job of falling behind with the shovel but you know hey if you gotta do it your mom's mom have a good time. And they're the Potemig Nationals. Yeah. And I'm the same. They play literally just so close to my house they are a lot of fun to watch play. They are a feeder group to the national, watching to nationals, but they play class A advanced Carolina League ball down in Prince William County, Virginia. It started out back in 1978 as the Alexander Diggs, Duke's. And they re-liquited in 1984 where we're named the Prince William Pirates, now of course known as the Pizzelberg Nationals. Yeah, and now we're taking a look at the Ferris Volunteer Fire and Rescue. They were formed back in 1957 as the Navy Vail VFD. And this is their fifth time joining us in the parade. And they also have participated in the Reston Town Center Holiday Parade the Fairfax Fair, and the Hurnden Festival. Oh, we've got the Mustangs coming. That must take a very beautiful shape. Oh, they are, in great shape. The National Capital Region Must-Day Club, that's been providing cars over the years for the parade. They have over 300 members, they got together back in 1979. It all started out with a group of folks that had Mustangs and they loved them so much and they wanted to preserve them. Yeah, they won many awards and I imagine that you know the people that are in the Mustang club that's got to be a pretty interesting group of folks. Oh yeah. I'll watch the life. I mean, you're seeing some new ones here. Yeah, of course, of course, the classic ones as well. The pony car. Come on Rachel, you know, the pony car was right. One of the pony cars. Oh, somebody did a little peeling out in the toilet. The veterans of foreign roars, the Berkpost 5412 out of Springfield. Okay, here's more Mustang trivia for you. Please. When they put the advertisement in about, I guess, of his 2,600 newspapers and they advertised on some of it, of course, back then they were just a couple TV networks. But more than 4 million people that did the showrooms and so they had this big run. Everybody wanted one. Sure. That's the power of the building. Absolutely. When something's that unique and it just really changed the scene of things that everybody wanted one. This is the perk, VFW, 54-12. You're looking good. The ones that you're seeing now are members of the 2.2 million numbers worldwide. They got back together many, many, many years ago back in 1889 at the Spanish-American War. Wow. Now we've got CubSkack Scout Pack 889. They were formed back in 1950. Charred by the Fairfax Presbyterian Church. And they've got their scooters all decked out too. Looking good. And a little bit of trivia here, Mayor Litterer. Our Mayor for the City of Fairfax actually was a member of this pack. Back in the day. You know what something tells me that Rob probably saved his uniform. I bet it's very nice. Yeah, let's ask him. At the Litterer Households someplace. Cubscal pack 918. Let's break to see the kids. You can't say enough about the scouting program. It's just really really wonderful and uh, 98 team was formed. Um, they were over at church of the Apostles in Furo Church. Yeah, and of course Cubscouts, uh, hopefully we'll go on to be Boy Scouts. I'm sorry. Take it. Grown man. I was a Cubscout on a Boy Scout too. I got the second class. Oh very good. Yeah, I still have my little Swag. Oh, yeah, the sash. The sash, right? Get all that stuff. Absolutely. Cub Scout Pack 918. It is a beautiful day. Hope you're having a wonderful 4th of July, Luke Hats and Rachel Roth with a lot of coverage here on set. Yeah, here's a fun way write down with the creator. That looks like a lot of fun. Of course, not so fun if you have a person behind having to push. Dad's having to push. Dad has to push, but so. That's some cool little homemade floats here, the big guy. And of course, after you enjoyed today's parade here on City Screen 12, or wherever you're going here, the City of Fairfax, you got the big, big fireworks display tonight at Fairfax High School. The live music in the entertainment starts at the school at seven o'clock tonight, and of course about 920, whether permitting a course is going to be a fantastic fair, a fireworks display. And I understand they really haven't cut back this year. No, actually, we got a good deal. They kept the same amount as last year, but they cut the price. So they were helping us out. Right now we're looking at the American Heritage Girls troop 1907 and 1115. And they participate in several events, including a lock-in with other troops. Camping, father-daughter dances, hiking, fundraiser, and of course, a spaghetti dinner. They do an Ash Wednesday spaghetti dinner every year and a lot of fun. And that's open to girls from K through 12th grade. Wow. I believe we are here in West Springfield's marching band coming our way. Oh, but first, but first, there is a whole time I believe they call that. Very classic fire Yeah old Tom that's a 1914 old Tom And here comes the West Springfield high school marshy band. Let's give them a listen They're sounding good. They are the most visible part of the West Springfield High School band. This is a select group called the Marching Spartans. And they received a superior rating at the Virginia State Marching Festival in 2005 to 2008. You can see why they won all these titles, this sounds great. Wow, thanks. Now we have the Girl Scouts from Berk, Virginia. They are service unit 52-7. And the members of this organization, this actual organization was formed back in 1912. The current membership is over 3.7 million for the Girl Scouts total and They help girls reach their full potential and learn how to deal with others and Increase their knowledge and understanding and skill and respect. You know, I don't see any Thinments here. Oh, where are the thinments? Where are the thin minutes? Where's the thin minutes guys? They're looking at us like what? They have water. Oh, and a minute we're getting a minute. She has a minute. Oh, you're kidding. There's a minute. It's not a thin mint, but it's a minute Don't you gotta be careful with chocolate in the seat today. Exactly. Well see they were thinking ahead. Oh, I see that would have been a sticky gooey mask. Good minutes not a good thing. That's great to have them in our parade baby. Girl Scouts from Burke, Virginia Service Unit 52-7. We also had a 55-6 was right behind them. Now you've got a glimpse of the Italian heritage lodge the order sons of Italy of America, Ocea. Yeah they are the largest and longest established national organization for men and women of Italian heritage. And no surprise that an Alfa Romeo, a wonderful Italian convertible, is leading their stretch of the parade today. Oh, and I'm catching a glimpse of our next balloon Thomas the Tank Engine. But before that, I also hear the sounds of the warpipe playing on the bagpipes and drums. Who is warpipe? They are a Celtic American Pike band group that plays music from Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. They participated numerous parades as well and were awarded the Best Marting Band trophy in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. So congratulations to them on that. Way to go. They're looking good, sound good. They were the muted drummers of Perth, Tartan. Very interesting. There are 20 members in this group. Well you're catching a glimpse of one of the biggest blurs we have today here on up right for the fourth of July. Thomas the Tank Engine. He is a mess. That is a great looking balloon. And I didn't realize that this was actually Thomas the Tank Engine was created over 50 years ago. I thought it was a more recent thing than that. But it was an angled green shirt, clergyman, Reverend Wilbert Audrey. And he would entertain his son by making up these stories. And every once in a while, the son of course kept wanting to hear the stories over and over again and sometimes the facts would change so he realized he'd have to write them down and so now we of course have the phenomena that is today. Sir Topham had. Sir Topham had. Sir Topham had. Sir Topham had. Oh my gosh. My 15 year old right now. My son Max, if I said to him, was Sir Topham had he paddy probably looking at me like, what? Oh, but when he was five, oh yes he. We still have the top of his tank engine set in the base. Oh see we do too. Yeah, my daughter 14C. This is Coparale Santiago de Azaldol USA that we see. Now this is their third time performing here in this parade and their costumes are just amazing. It's a beautiful turquoise. Oh, it's just gorgeous. Of course the bells on the boots just have that jingle that adds to the festive atmosphere. It's great. And when they're not busy with us, they've been participating in all kinds of wonderful events like the Barurbian and Bolivian Parades up in New Jersey, the Bolivian Festival and the NASA's the Hispanic Parade in Rhode Island. We've been to Strawberry Festival in West Virginia. Wow. And close to home to Vienna, Halloween Parade, participated in and actually took second place. Everyone all kinds of awards. Such energy they're doing great. Look at those shoes. Nancy put work, yeah. But you know by the end of a parade route like this, you think those souls of those shoes would be so warm? What's there? Looking good. Get a nice breeze through here today as we give you continuous coverage on City Screen 12 of our 43rd annual Independence Day parade for this 4th of July 2009. It's good to have you watching today. Don't forget about the evening show tonight at Fairfax High School beginning at 7pm with the electives. And City of Fairfax stand will be presenting the Broadway extravaganza. It will be great and then leading in with the 1812 overture. We'll bring us into the fireworks today. It will be great to play. And hopefully the weather will hold out. I think it's supposed to. You know, it's just how many years you never know, but hopefully we will have great weather tonight. Look at them. I love it. So much more than everybody has to. Mmm. Oh, you can just tell they're having such a great time. Oh, happy dog joining us at the parade. Next we have the ultimate club of Fairfax. This is their fifth time joining us in the parade. The organization was formed back in 1986 as a community service nonprofit organization. They concentrate on programs that benefit kids and young adults. They've got a great flag going there, lots of kids and Boy Scout's troop. It's got to be great to be young and be asked to be on the parade. Oh yeah. That's got to be a great memory. Absolutely. Yeah, looking great. Is on the fantastic job on the float. Yeah, the Optimus Club of Central Fairfax. And I have to give a shout out. One of those boys, Galt's waving, and that's right now is Joe Graf. He is our floor director, Lolita Sun, and we are just so excited to see him. He's adorable. And they did a fantastic job on that float. Oh my goodness, somebody's missing their top hat. What happened? Oh my goodness. Oh no, what happened? I think they're just clowning around just clowning around for me. Great. Great. I think I'm hoping I am hoping they're just clowning They were organized back in 1985 and they appeared in our independence day parade for more than 12 years and Always a lot of fun they bring lots of energy and enthusiasm and crazy shenanigans. Absolutely. The current charity, by the way, is the safe places residential programs. So they're always trying to help folks in the community and raise money too. Oh, that's great. Oh, we got a jugular there. You know, I don't think I could walk and juggle at the same time. Hard enough to just juggle standing still. I like its yellow hair. Yeah. Good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good I'm going to take a little break there off the unicycle, get him back on. Okay, here's trivia for you. Do you know what gadget that's up in the mountains? No, you tell me. You tell me. What is it? You know, I'm trying to remember what it's called. That's what I was over you knew. There's a little smart car. A little smart car all decked out. Yeah. Just clowning around of Northern Virginia. Yeah. Also getting a glimpse now of the Fort Calhoun Nebraska High School marching band. And yeah, they are doing a great job here today for Calhoun. Ten miles north of Omaha and the historic site of Fort Adkinson. And they're here on the parade for the fifth time. It's good to listen. It's that great. They are in the direction of Mark Jones. And they are at home, both on the east. They do a east contour, and I guess west contour in midwest as well. They also have who formed four times the Disney World. It's got to be pretty good if you're a little more excited. Oh yeah, I do. Maybe it does me that's great. They also appeared in Washington DC, Philadelphia, and of course, coming down the street, I see them. It is our City of Fairfax Regional Library Book Cart Drill Team. Are those the actual cards? the Fairfax Regional Library Book Cart drill team. Are those the actual cards? They are the, well, are those props? No, I'm not sure. I believe those are the actual book carts. They were formed back in 1983 and they were just publicizing the libraries move to the courthouse while the library on Chamber ofber Grove was being renovated and they kept the group together and have drilled us for years. They do a great job. Now you know a book cart, it's kind of like a grocery cart. Those wheels are a little tricky. I mean people need to appreciate how difficult a drill team with book carts would be. I hope they don't trace me down for some old book do's. Yeah, you know, part of our coverage today includes Ashley, one of our co-workers at 97.1, Wash FM Radio. I believe she's out in the crowd. And she's got some, I think some folks she's going to be checking in with her momentarily. As we watch more of the book card drill team. And now we've got the Northern Virginia Firefighters Emerald Society pipe fans. And they were organized by firefighters from Fairfax County and it participated for over 20 years in the city of Fairfax Parade. It's amazing all the work that they do for fire and rescue services and then have the time and the energy to run and perform, blow the bagpipes and perform on the drums. This group not only includes firefighters but also has members of law enforcement and military and good old civilians too. Absolutely. They are wearing the traditional Irish staffron, killed, named for the spice of the same color. They've also participated in the Scottish Christmas walk in Alexandria and Vienna's Halloween parade, and they previously won a trophy for the City of the Effects in the Finns Day parade for the best type dance. They sound fantastic. First thing are followed by the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. The professional firefighters and the paramedics. And there goes the banner. Woo! That was fun. That was close. Yeah, pretty sky too. Yeah, they participate in official functions, funeral details, and the onigar participate in various parades throughout Virginia, D.C. and Maryland. They won numerous awards for their fire apparatus in their onigar. And they also have a clowning unit. Oh, I like that. Yeah. That's kind of fun. It's like that. They are a 1,400 member group. And of course they fire the help out with emergency medical and all kinds of situations. It's nice to know that for the county, they are around 24 seven. And as we have said earlier before, if you ever see them trying to raise money, give them what you can and help them out I've got a lot of happy fourth to live folks on this that's gonna be cool to be able to ride on the bike yeah absolutely and they have a lot of area to cover 2, 395 square miles of urban and suburban developments that they got a lot of responsibility. They don't take the job lightly, but I know they enjoy being in our parade every year. Absolutely, and they participate in the Old Fashion Firemen's Day as well and have done well in past years. And speaking of which, don't forget that gets underway at 12.30 today on University Drive, the old fashioned fireman's day. They've got competition, great food, games, lots of fun, and sport and water all over the place. And I was going to say, if you want to, you can get wet. And if you don't want to, you can stay dry by staying back a little bit. But it's a great event lots of fun. Once again this is their 60th anniversary for the KFX County Fire and Rescue Department. It's one of their old trucks from 1963. 85 foot ladder on that one there. Yeah, that one. She's waving. And now here's one of the newer trucks 429. I believe that one does 105 feet. Or is it even more than that? I think 105? You know, Rachel, these things are so clean you can eat all of them. And they take such pride in their equipment and taking care of them. Imagine having to drive for back all those things. What's that? She's got bubble gun. Bubble gun? Where they drive in the opposite direction Yeah, I don't know. Yeah, that's gotta be Especially sure that takes a little bit of practice You think that you think so I think so who want to take a second out to thank some of our sponsors Who have helped us out for our 43rd annual independence day parade and they whose those include some of our bronze sponsors like our friends with Sandy Spring Bank and right now we're gonna throw it to Ashley Throne from Wash FM Radio she's out the crowd who do you have Ash? Oh it's so noisy we're looking at the fire trucks here I'm here with Sara and Korra and they are fireworks experts you guys went to the fireworks and fair back last year right? Right! What else is there at the fireworks you said that you got a special fireworks and fair back last year right? Right. Little bubbles. Now what else is there at the fireworks? You said that you got a special painting right? Yes. Purple. Oh, purple and you got a flower. Uh huh. They have faith painting and all sorts of other fun activities right? So we want to tell everybody good fireworks. Yeah. Yeah, I got fire! Sounds like you're the last one. Lots of fun at the parade and later on today too. Back to you guys. Thank you Ashley. More apparatus now from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the crowd enjoying everything they're seeing along the parade route today. And lots of bubbles. Really good idea of bubble gun. Or else you. That's a fun. This is a truck 411. One of their newer trucks. They do all kinds of wonderful things throughout the year besides, of course, covering 24-7 for medical emergencies and fire emergencies. They do fun razors. And of course, it's all with our parade too. And that's great to see you. I like that. That's cool sunglasses. Like that look. Yeah. In a moment we're going to be introducing you to our Fairfax City Democratic Committee. We had our Republicans coming through earlier and they're going to have the equal time. That's right Yeah, see how shiny those trucks are I know We have a special kind of paint too. That's on them. It's a Exactly that keeps them shiny and bright and But I know they do a good job of Having regular times that they wash take care care of this apparatus, keep them in good condition. I know you're catching a view of the CSAC City Democratic Committee. I think that's Leslie Bern, we just saw that. The current chairman is Joe Harmon. I got a great uncle Sam hat there. There's Sharon Gulliver again, the chair of the Federal Society Board of Supervisors. After doing a little meeting in Great Britain. And that actually, you know, picture there is her son David Bulliver, our delegate. We got the balloons and the campaigns signs. As we said earlier in our telecast today, make sure when the election time comes up, you take the time out to it. You go ahead and do your civic duty and vote. I got a big duty sign for Judy Wagner. She is the Democratic hopeful for the Lieutenant Governor, candidacy. We have a couple glimpse of Chap Peterson to our state senator. A dog with two two. Oh, that's cute. That is cute. Oh boy, wrapping up the City of Fairfax Democratic Committee. Oh, you got the float there. Oh, we got a great headband there with the American flags. Very patriotic. The dog in the tutu is too hard. Yes, plastic. But now you're viewing healthcare. We can't wait for healthcare banner. And power behind them is the broad run from Asperr and Virginia, so high school march and ban. They're in the direction of Lisa and Apollee. And this is their first appearance in the City of Fairfax. Stay parade, let's give them a listen. They were great. They've been honored for many things, including an award from the US Marine Corps. Next, we have our next big balloon, this is the Liberty Bell, one of the most prominent symbols of the American Revolutionary War, familiar symbol of our independence. And they've got the moves down. Oh yeah. No cracks in this one. No, because that would be a bad thing. That would be for a balloon, yeah. Yeah, a balloon that doesn't work well. You see a sort of a drawing there of the crack, but we're going to go out to Ashley again who's out amongst the crowd here along the parade route. Who have you found this time around Ashley? Hey there, we have Joseph, Jacob, Jonathan and Grace at Stephen and you were here helping with the parade right? You helped make it all possible. Tell us how you did that. Well, we asked what the dignitaries to be. What's called against the end? Grandsand? The Grandsand? Something like that. I think it begins with an R. And you gave them their flags and everything, right? Not the digmissories themselves, but we gave lots of other flags. Excellent. Well, thank you for doing your part to make this parade awesome. It's been really great so far. Enjoy the rest of your fourth back to you guys I see the volunteers out there. Yeah, thanks a lot Ashley. That's great. Yes the voice that they do S4 the Zignitaries to the grandstand Yeah Yeah, the Liberty Bell balloon is something else Now we have the children of light dancers they were formed back in 1991 They are a Christian Ministry of Dance and Drama for Children's Ages 3-18. They've been in the parade over the last 15 years. They always have lots of energy too. So means to see, I mean, they literally just filled the street. They do. And with the theme of this year's event, hand in hand, united we stand the children who have learned all kinds of wonderful choreography to songs that are focused on service to their community and to their country, the children of the light dancers. This is so easy. They're under the guidance of Jeanine Lacoument and they just are doing a fantastic job. I like the little ones too in there. Until their arms are a little tired and they reach towards the end of the parade route here. But it's great to have them part of our 43rd annual pilgrimage in the city of Fairfax. Absolutely. They're jumping advanced to the ramp. Right behind them we have the Fairfax Highlands Club. There were one of 70 clubs in the Northern Virginia area. They are part of the largest service organization in the world. They have more than 60 members. They try to raise as much as they can on an average about $60,000 a year from various fundraising projects, which include their annual fruit sale. So when somebody comes, I can on the door. And I can speak from experience. The oranges and grapefruit from the Lions Club are fantastic. And it's always around December, I want to say. And it's a great time. The citrus is just amazing. And it's supporting a great organization. And one of the big things they're pushing is the Donate your car campaign. And of course, money to raise with the Fairfax Alliance to help you out. And they also offer free pickup, too. That's great. Well, I hear that Ashley has something for us. Dan, out on the street. Ashley, we've got now. Hi there. I'm here with Pete, and he's from New Hampshire. Now tell us how you got here and what's special about your trip. We came down for a family reunion for my wife's family and my wife's cousin is one of the organizers. And she was asked along with her sister to be a judge for the parade. So she's been sitting over there in the grandstands judging the whole parade. Under the shade, yep. I would not like that job. Everyone is doing such a great job today. I don't know how I would be able to judge, but thank you guys for coming. I hope you have a great trip. Back to you guys. And a safe trip back to New Hampshire. It's great to have out of towners. They got to be enjoying this for believe. Um, and they are always a fun addition. Let's give them a listen. And we've got the vehicle from Hard Times Cafe, which first opened in Alexandria back in 1980 by Fred Parker. And in 2005 was named one of the 10 best places in the country for Chile. And we've got one right here down the street in the city of Fairfax, and it is really good, Chile. Ha-ha. They are followed by the McLean Volunteer Fire Department organized back in 1921, serving the citizens of McLean. And they've been in the city of Fairfax Independence Day parade for more than 25 years. It's like a little one there jumping up and down. Maybe this is the first parade for her. Could be. Now, in case you missed any of the telecast here and you would like to see a free new replay of it, we are offering that too, right? Absolutely. On the starting today, the parade will replay daily at 2 and also on the weekends at 7 p.m. So you can catch it right here on City Screen 12 on both Cox and Verizon, or you can check us out on the web. And there you can see us anytime. Good evening, Glimpsnow, the youth department Mount Cavalry Baptist Church. They were established way back in 1870s. They were established way back in 1870s. They were originally looking for a place to build their church and came out with Mount Calvary. The press of Lambda Bay found that the route, then rural route of 123 and what was then the town of Fairfax and it was purchased for a grand total of yes $40. Wow. Wow that's investment. I know. Not exact. I'll have to check with our real estate investor, I'm not sure what the parcel goes for today but I'm sure I'm not sure what that parcel does for today, but I'm sure it's much more than $40. I would think so. A little improv to dancing here on Armstrong's and make your way down the parade route. And our cowboys that make sure. Making their way down. We're reminded one of the premier fireworks displays that's happening here in our city. Tonight kicking off at 9.20. That's when all the fireworks hit the sky. It's Fairfax High School. Gates open up at 720. Don't even think about driving down there. Take the shuttle bus. That's right. And that's the way to do it. And it's supposed to be a huge fireworks display this year. Yeah, we take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take one, take I'm sure their membership has grown quite a bit since then. Right behind them we have WT Woodson high school marching Cavaliers and they were formed. After their name is actually after former PFX County Public Schools Superintendent Wilbert Tucker Woodson. Let's give him a listen. The flags are just very patriotic for today. Everybody's appreciating. Now you've got a better view and a better sound. They are just east of the city. They are just right on our border. And they are in the direction of Melanie McKenzie-Hall. And they've been named Virginia honor band 16 times most recently this year. We get a symbol going. Oh yeah. Definitely displaying the red, white and blue today for sure. Absolutely. It looks fantastic. Well, you can't have a prey without a huge crowd. We have one of those here along Armstrong Street. Ashley Throne is out there. Who do you he got Ashley? All right man he has a couple tips for us tonight as people are out enjoying firework then might be lighting off some of their own what tips do you have for us to keep everybody safe today? Well obviously make sure the fireworks are illegal. Safety is the primary consideration. Make sure there's plenty of space around where you're lighting them. Put it on a non-combustible surface, something that doesn't burn obviously. It's good to have a pale of water next to where you're setting these off so you can drop them in there after they've lit off or if there's sometimes it doesn't work properly. Young children shouldn't be handling fireworks. If you can use a lighter with a long extension versus matches to avoid getting burned. And just be safe. I mean, keep people away from them. Don't run around with fireworks. Don't throw them. Keep them away from buildings and other areas so that you don't have a chance of setting something off. That was great. That's great advice. Thank you very much Tim. Back to you guys. That's great. Great tips from Tim butters there. And just real quick we're seeing the Fairfax City 4-H. 4-H is an organization. Again, they are just very involved with community activities. And also Cardinal Bank was right before them and they've been big supporters of the parade for many years and they won first place for their float last year. And I believe now we are seeing Sangri, Bolivian, San Bos USA. They were formed back in September of 1987. And I believe now we are seeing Sangri, Phalyvian, Sambos, USA. They were formed back in September of 1987. One of the oldest organizations of their kind here in the commonwealth of Virginia. These costumes, by the way, the ones you're about to see here, actually looking at right now, costs more than 300 bucks a piece. I believe that they are very ornate. Look at the detailing. That's amazing. And the mask. You know that mask has to be hot. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. They have performed in events in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico. And have participated in the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. I wonder how heavy those costumes must be. Oh, heavy with the bells on them and everything is... Heavy and hot. Yeah, heavy and hot. Look at those shoes. I love them. and hot. Yeah, yeah, heavy and hot. Look at those shoes. I love it. Well, you can really feel that bass pumping away. It's got the two strings. Thanks. One of the most beautiful things about living here in the good old US of A is the diversity Absolutely. That we welcome and cherish so much and when you are able to see folks like the San Great Bolivian Soundbugs USA group out here to perform today on our four-digit liability It's just wonderful. It's great to get to experience different cultures. Absolutely. Wonderful. Coming up behind them. We want to welcome along the parade routes this morning, the Kuanas Club of Fairfax, which by the way won the Marching Unit Award for this event last year. They've been in the parade for over 10 years. They are fantastic, but I can personally vouch for their chocolate chip pancakes. For the chocolate livers festival in February They post a chocolate chip pancake breakfast over the fire station and oh my goodness are they good? Do they mix chocolate in with the batter or is it just the chips? It's chocolate chips in the batter. They actually have the pancake batter They put the pancake batter on and then they sprinkle it with chips right before they flip it. Oh They're The Pancake Lateron and then they sprinkle it with chips right before they flip it. Oh, they're fantastic. They're a great organization. They also sponsor key clubs in 6th area high schools which include our own Fairfax High School. Cool. Great group. Back out to Ashley who's amongst the crowd today, who have you got now? Go ahead Ashley, take it away. I'm here with Julie Knight. She, as you know, is on the school board and was also in the parade today. How are you today? Great, thank you. Wonderful. Hey, the gorgeous day. And you've been in the parade years before, right? I've been in the parade before this. This is obviously a great, great weather day. This is probably one of the best. Absolutely. I've enjoyed being in the parade with the school board and also having our 4-H club march in the parade. So it's been a family event. Great. And now you just get to sit back and relax and watch the rest of it. That's right. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Thank you. Thanks, Ashley. Thanks, Ashley. If we were just looking at some footage of the Carefax United Methodist Church's flow. They did a great job. Very nice. Got some more balloons coming up. I know. I see those big star balloons. And I see we got the Springfield South County Youth Club. All star cheerleaders coming down. They've got their pom-poms ready to go. They were formed back in 1978, profiled athletic programs for children ages 4 to 18. The cheerleaders perform and do all kinds of things throughout the community all around the year. Besides high school events, they do football, basketball games, food drives too, so you have a chance to support them. The Springfield South County Youth Club All-Star Cheerleaders. They're looking great. Behind them, I believe we've got our clothes to the parade with our star balloons. And the stars on the American flag, do you know what they represent Lou? The red, white and blue. What about the red, white and blue represent? Oh, yeah, the flag. Oh, it's just a pop quiz for me. Yeah, I'm giving you the pop quiz. The stars actually, there's one star for each state. So the original flag, of course, had 13 stars for the original 13 colonies. Right. And we got these great patriotic balloons. They're looking great. Wow, and that's pretty much signifies the end of our parade today. And it's been a fantastic one, Leo. And it's been really fun. I think everybody out here who was along the parade route had a wonderful time to weather his cooperated and had nice little breeze, not too humid. We couldn't have asked for a better day. That's really good. I mean, it really has been a wonderful day weather-wise. And first of all, I'd like to just remind everybody about the replay schedule. You can see replays of this parade daily at 2 p.m. and also at 7 p.m. on the weekends, right here on City Screen 12 and also on the web. That web address is www.fairfaxVA.gov. And there's lots of other activities still going on today up until about 12 30 today. You can head over to, looks like actually, and yeah, till actually 4 o'clock, the Fairfax Museum and the visitors center open house, that's going on. And the one that everybody's talking about later on tonight at Fairfax High School. Fairfax High School 7pm. It's a big, live music at Fairfax High School and then of course you have the big fireworks display. Absolutely, great fireworks display. I believe we're going to check one more time with Ashley. She's been doing a great job talking to the crowd today. How you doing Ashley? Hi guys, we're doing well. Now that the parade is over over we're getting ready to wrap up, but I'm here with Kristen She's been helping us out a lot today. Thank you very much for your help Thank you and a big group here from Fairfax and what did you guys want to tell everybody at home? I guess thank you so much Ashley and thanks everybody What a great crowd looks like they were having a lot of fun and I believe that was my daughter Kristen Ashley it was great having you out there today. Thank you so much for participating in our parade. It's been wonderful working with you. It has been fun, but... Being on the other side of the... It is. It's very different. Lots of fun. And I would like to thank my crew. They are a phenomenal group of people. He's doubting with our director today he steps in and has done a fantastic job and of course my crew some of them have been doing this parade for over 20 years you guys rock thanks again Lou for everything and happy and a pen and say absolutely I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful. I'm going to be a little bit more careful Thank you.