When I was a kid, there was always a Fourth of July parade in my home town. I lived in Gilroy, the southernmost town in Santa Clara County, California during the 1960s. It is known as the Garlic Capital of the World because more garlic is processed there than anywhere else. They host an annual Garlic Festival now, but when I lived in Gilroy we had Frontier Days.

Now I live in Mendocino County, in another small town hugging Highway 101. There are a lot of similarities to Gilroy, including Frontier Days. Almost every year, we make our way down to the center of town to watch the annual parade on July Fourth. Here are some photos I took today that are typical of small town Independence Day festivities.

This brass band played on the edge of the City Park before the parade.

These children prepared for their march down Main Street.

A jazz band celebrated the day on the Rotary float.

My daughter Katie and husband Sam watched the show from the shade of the City Park.

These mules demonstrated patience.

These youngsters show the spirit of the holiday!

This flag-bearing helicopter was a first for me.