By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

Now in its 20th year, the annual Fourth of July Parade for kids will be held tomorrow morning, July 4. The annual parade will begin at 10 a.m. from the corner of Elm and Vine streets in Downtown Dexter.

The “just for kids” parade was started 20 years ago by Janice Barney, Lisa Greer and Jean Rahm. The parade leadership has passed to a new generation, as Kristi and Jason Banken now host the holiday parade.The Bankens began hosting the parade six years ago, and have continued to build upon the Independence Day tradition.

 The parade will follow its traditional route down Elm Street to Stoddard Street with kids on bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters, skates, on foot, or in strollers (most anything non-motorized).

The youngsters will gather on the steps of the U.S. Post Office on Stoddard Street to salute the flag with the Pledge of Allegiance, sing a few patriotic songs, and pose for photographs for all the parents and grandparents in attendance

The parade will get moving again, east down Stoddard Street to Poplar Street, where it will turn south at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) back to Vine and turn west and return to Vine and Elm. And end in the Bankens’ front yard.

Children are invited to participate; they may walk or bring their bikes and other means of transportation for the parade. Parking will be available for grownups in the city parking lot on Vine Street across from the Dexter Municipal Building.

Photo Above: A soggy group of patriotic kids pose with Uncle Sam (aka Jason Banken) during the 2011 July 4 parade. Rain dampened - but did not stop - last year's event. This year's parade is set to begin at 10 a.m. this Wednesday (ShowMe Times archive photo by Annabeth Miller)