This year's Lake Highlands 4th of July celebration was the largest in the parade’s history, featuring more than 30 parade entries and 15 themed floats.

Exchange Club Parade Coordinator, Bryan McCrory remarked that “the crowds were spectacular, with estimates of more than three thousand people attending.”

LHHS Military served as the Parade Grand Marshals.

The Military Moms followed the lead cars with photos of their sons and daughters who are serving overseas.

“Riding with the military and watching these men and women being honored by the community was very special,” says Rhonda Russell, President of the Lake Highlands Exchange Club.

The 45-minute long parade marched west on Church Street and featured entries from area neighborhood associations, LHHS, and antique autos.

The Children’s Parade moved down the street lead by a calliope. “I saw children decked out in red, white and blue costumes, dogs of all breeds and sizes wearing their special patriotic accessories, and mothers and fathers holding their children as the parade moved down the street," remarks Russell.

"A grandfather on a John Deere tractor was pulling his two year old grandson in a decorated wagon, while residents in lawn chairs lined the street, enjoying the clowns who entertained the crowd."

A well-attended carnival followed at the Lake Highlands North Recreation Center, while the Southwest Bluegrass Group preformed original songs for parade goers.

Popular activities included horseback riding, face painting, games and outdoor cooking.

Lake Highlands residents of all ages certainly celebrated the 4th of July in grand style this year.

In fact, the LH Exchange Club served up 700 gallons of soft drinks and twenty gallons of pickles, which were all donated by Wal-Mart in support the of the Independence Day celebration.

Don York, LHEC Food Drive Director announced that residents of Lake Highlands donated over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food to the Network of Community Ministries.

All said, this event was a celebration for the record books - LH style!

Please visit the "Photos" tab in the LH Today menu to view additional event pictures. Thank you to everyone for sending us your fantastic photos!