WICHITA FALLS ( KFDX/KJTL ) — Packing 9th Street with crowds of people was the goal for the Wichita County Heritage Society’s “Most Patriotic Parade.” The goal was certainly met.

Classic cars, fire engines and more were the stars of the show, from 9th Street and Ohio Avenue to the Kell House on 9th and Bluff Street. It was a turnout Executive Director Delores Culley said she was proud of.

“I think it went really well,” Culley said. “The parade always has a lot of people that come and enter it. And so, it was a wide variety of entries this year. So, it’s always fun, and everybody loves it. They line up 9th street.”

What might have helped drive the success of the parade was the presence of a special guest, now Olympian Taliyah Brooks. The former Rider Raider made her first of many Fourth of July stops at the parade, greeting fellow Wichitans as the Olympics draw closer.

“I grew up watching this parade, so to be in it, to be an Olympian, I think it’s been a lifelong dream, and everyone came out and supported,” Brooks said. “So, I’m overwhelmed but in a good way. Overwhelmed with gratitude and with support, and I’m just excited for the summer.”

As much as the parade celebrates the United States’ independence, it’s also a way to have fun with family. Daniel Bell came from out of state to Wichita Falls just to see family this Fourth of July.

“We’re from Kentucky, and we came here to Texas to see my grandson,” Bell said. “They got a bunch of candy, and they enjoyed it. Little Richard didn’t like the siren on the fire engine; it was pretty loud.”

Regardless of how loud the sirens rang out, the 40th “Most Patriotic Parade” was an attraction for all.

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