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Decorated bicycles, flag-wearing dogs and families pulling wagons crowded the corner of Key Boulevard and Jackson Street for Lyon Village’s old-fashioned Fourth of July parade.
Although the route has shifted over the years, the neighborhood tradition remains familiar. The procession travels several blocks before ending at Lyon Village Park, where children can enjoy the playground, spray park and holiday treats.
Gabe MacPhail stood beside his father, Matt, whose boom box played patriotic music. Home from Purdue University, Gabe recalled joining the parade as a child.
“I have been coming to this parade since I was six years old,” he said. “Not much has changed. It’s so cool to see all of these kids. It’s a great summer memory for me.”
Neighbors unfurled an American flag wide enough to stretch across the street and require at least five people to carry it. Arlington County police motorcycles revved their engines, antique cars assembled nearby and Arlington County fire engines moved into position before the parade began.
Some young cyclists wobbled down the block as parents held on tightly. More experienced riders sped ahead, hoping to reach the park’s popsicles first.
Residents watched from lawn chairs along the sidewalks, waving flags and catching up on their neighbors’ summer plans. Sharon and Don Park, who have lived in their house for 51 years, sat outside with neighbor Janet Hendricksen and Kat Carten. Carten lives around the corner, and her father has served as a chief parade organizer for many years.
At the park, children rushed toward tables offering watermelon slices and popsicles. Others lined up for a chance to sit in the front seat of a fire engine.
American flags filled the celebration, appearing as glittery face paint, fence decorations, hat toppers and T-shirt designs. For Lyon Village families, the parade added another Fourth of July to a long-running collection of neighborhood memories.