Ashland July 4th celebration honors those that bring the community closer

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- For the July 4th holiday, Ashland has invited residents to step into a simpler time with its hometown celebration.

Ashland boasts that it still celebrates the Fourth, "the old-fashioned way," according to its Downtown Association blog.

The parade kicked off the festivities, with patriotic bikes and pets, a marching band and the parade's famous "Lawn Chair Brigade."

One resident, Betty Jo Zarris, said she has been coming to the parade every year for nearly 30 years.

"I love that it’s so homegrown," Zarris said. "It seems unplanned, but anyone in the town can come that day and just sign up to be in it.”

Zarris said some things make an appearance every year, like the basset hounds.

Ashland July 4th celebration (Photo: Mariah Jallad, 8News)

With a presentation of the colors, the Hanover concert band, apple pie and patriotic pet contests, the parade has something for everyone.

And, the theme of this year's parade was honoring those in Ashland that bring the community closer together.

Zarris said that's appreciated at a time like this.

 “I think we’re under siege in our country right now," Zarris said. "So, I think it’s good that we can come out and still celebrate being Americans all together.”