The Arlington 4th Of July Association's 47th Annual Independence Day Parade in downtown Arlington is slated for Wednesday, July 4th, beginning at 9 a.m.

Bring your lawn chairs and come early to find a perfect viewing spot along the parade's 2.5 mile route as it travels through the downtown area. The parade, as it has for years, will begin at the intersection of Mitchell and Pecan streets.

The theme of this year's parade is "The Many Faces of America's Freedom" and it is dedicated to Arlington citizens who have given their lives in the cause of freedom.

Arlington's 4th of July parade is one of the largest in the state, generally consisting of around 150 entries and a draw of up to 70,000 spectators. Parade entries include professional floats, marching bands and drill teams, exotic automobiles, military color guards, clowns, dignitaries and and bevy of unique presentations by local organizations and businesses.

This year, Heidi Moyer of Arlington, who earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by helping establish Arlington's Teen Court, will represent four generations of Girl Scouts along with her mother, grandmother, and daughter, as Grand Marshals in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America.

Put on your red, white and blue and join us as we show off our American pride at the 2012 edition of USA's Independence Day Parade in downtown Arlington. Afterwards, find out who the favorites were at an Award Ceremony that will be held at 1 pm in Heritage Park located at 201 W. Front Street.

Kudos to the Arlington 4th Of July Association, a non-profit, non-partisan, and nonpolitical organization that produces this respected parade each year - they are staffed entirely by wonderful volunteers from within our community.

The Arlington Independence Day Parade can be seen live on Arlington's Government Channel on Time Warner Cable and AT&T U-Verse. It will also be streamed live on Arlington Webcast.

For more information visit www.arlington4th.org.

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Note: Arlington's favorite festival Light Up Arlington is back with more food, fun and fireworks, along with street performers and other family friendly entertainment, Downtown Arlington, Tuesday, July 3, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Read more