Stars and stripes will overtake the Kenilworth neighborhood Wednesday evening when it kicks off its 41st annual Independence Day parade.
Paul Sicard, Kenilworth Civic Association parade chair, said the parade is sponsored by the association, which organizes events for the neighborhood.
Sicard said the neighborhood has a thriving sense of community.
“It’s a neighborhood of about 800 families,” he said. “It was established back in the early 1970s. It’s a wonderful place to live and bring up kids … it’s just a community with a lot of spirit.”
He explained that the parade got its start decades ago when residents wanted to celebrate the Fourth of July by riding their tractors down the street, and then their children would follow suit by riding their bikes. Over the years, the parade has evolved into a Mardi Gras-esque affair with floats, throws and riders.
About 40 to 50 groups participate in the parade, according to Sicard. These groups include military, family and community organizations such as Cub Scouts.
Sicard said the Independence Day parade has a military-based theme each year. This year’s theme is “Hometown Heroes,” honoring locals who provide military service.
“We’re trying to have a theme of honoring those from the local community that are serving in the armed forces and protect our nation’s freedom,” Sicard said.
The parade also honors a grand marshal as well as a Resident of the Year. This year’s recipients are Grand Marshal Collis Temple Jr. and Resident of the Year Max Scott.
Temple received his position for “contributing to the community overall” and for being a community leader. Scott became Resident of the Year based on his service to Kenilworth and serving as KCA treasurer and a neighborhood volunteer.
Sicard said more than 5,000 people from around the city gather to watch the patriotic display each year.
“This is your only chance to catch beads between St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween here in Baton Rouge,” Sicard said.
He said riders will throw beads, trinkets and candy — much like other parades.
He also said the parade will feature local politicians, celebrating America’s freedom of choice in political parties.
The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Kenilworth Science and Technology Charter School on Boone Avenue. Sicard said the parade mainly runs on Kenilworth Parkway and lasts about an hour.