Abilene residents celebrate Independence Day with neighborhood parades

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) — Neighborhoods around the Big Country celebrated early this morning with a Fourth of July parade.

Numerous parades and events have occurred across the Big Country and the Nation. For River Oaks and Hillcrest neighborhoods, it has been a long-standing tradition to host their parades. Before noon, neighbors gathered together on decorated bicycles, golf carts, classic cars, and the occasional stroller to walk the streets and toss candy to onlookers.

One of the organizers for the Hillcrest parade, Tawn Carpenter, spoke to how this over 25-year tradition welcomes all.

“Everybody’s invited. It’s a great time. Families all get together. The neighborhood gets to all say hi together and just celebrate that we love America,” Carpenter said.

These parades had some special guests in attendance. Grand Marshal for the Hillcrest parade was 97-year-old Ross Blasingame. Blasingame has actively participated in the parade for several years. Even at his advanced age, Ross is a daily cyclist and was front and center in his specialized 3-wheeled bicycle during the parade. Blasingame was joined by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who all were part of that parade. A special guest for the River Oaks neighborhood parade was Bomber, the Abilene Flying Bison’s mascot.

River Oaks resident Graham Sensing has been participating in their neighborhood Fourth of July Parade for several years, and now his young children are also actively involved in the celebration. Sensing commented on how he and his family look forward to the parade every year and how it helps bring their community together.

“It’s honestly the most fun day in the neighborhood for the year. You get to meet all your neighbors, and they get to come out, and then that community carries out throughout the rest of the year. So, that really makes us feel like home,” Sensing expressed.

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