Kids, prepare to pull out the streamers and stars and bunting. The annual Kids’ Independence Day Parade in the Camellia City is just around the corner, part of First United Methodist Church’s annual Community-Wide July 4th Celebration this weekend.

Youngsters are encouraged to decorate their bikes, trikes, wagons and other vehicles with a patriotic theme for the parade, which will kick off festivities at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3 in Confederate Park. Parade participants are asked to assemble on Adams St. at 9:30 a.m.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a real Independence Day parade without “all the fanfare,” as promised by Steven Davison of FUMC.

“We’ll have Boy Scout Troop 520 present the Colors, provide patriotic marching music and let the kids parade around the park until they get tired out,” Davison said.

After the parade, live music begins in the park courtesy of a long list of local talents.

Lots of children’s activities are on tap, including duck pond, fishing booth, beanbag toss, face painting, prize walk and colorful helium balloons.

Kids of all ages can enjoy slushies, cotton candy, popcorn and lots of sweet, ice-cold watermelon, Davison said.

A fish fry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will serve up a freshly fried fillet with all the sides, sweet tea and lemonade. Hot dogs will be offered, too.

“This event is completely free and open to the public. We thank all the local churches and businesses who have supported this and look forward to another great event in the park,” Davison said.