WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — There are plenty of options for those who want to get their Fourth of July festivities started sooner rather than later, and what better way to start America’s Independence Day than with the “Most Patriotic Parade?”

The Wichita County Heritage Society has put the parade on annually for the last 40 years, and each year, Executive Director Delores Culley said it’s a great way to get people of all ages together bright and early on the Fourth.

“At 9 [a.m.], we leave Ohio and head straight up 9th Street here to the Kell House,” Culley said. “The whole grounds are covered with different events and games to play. There’s a pony ride, there’s just all sorts of stuff.”

Sign-up for the parade is at 9th and Ohio and starts at 8 a.m. Anyone can participate, which is great because a special guest will be taking part in it this year: Local Olympian Taliyah Brooks.

“Just her making the Olympics is exciting. Hometown girl making it to the Olympics,” Culley said. “So, it’s very exciting, and we’re just honored that she agreed to be in the parade.”

Now, if you want to start earlier than the parade, the Midwestern State Cross Country and Track team hosts another event.

The fourth annual Firecracker Mile takes place at 7 a.m. Adult registration is open until midnight , and kids’ registration is available the morning of the race, which MSU Coach Kelsey Bruce says makes the race so fun.

“We have a kid’s half a mile. Everyone’s favorite part is watching the kids run the half mile because they have so much heart and just try so hard at their mini distance,” Bruce said.

MSU Texas will give prizes for the first, second, and third-place winners of their race and age-group prizes. According to Bruce, the Firecracker Mile combines the fast and all-comers’ divisions, allowing people to enjoy the mile at their own pace.

Whatever your cup of tea this Fourth of July, if you want to start bright and early, there’s something for you.

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