WAUKESHA -- Red, white and blue covered the streets all over southeastern Wisconsin Tuesday at Independence Day parades.
In downtown Waukesha thousands lined the sidewalks for more than just a good time.
"We just love the kids, all the kids, the fire department … it's a natural parade," said William Phillips of North Carolina
It’s a parade where you won't find any political or campaign floats this year. The Independence Day celebration was a giant tribute to those who fought for our freedom and keep us safe at home.
"It makes me proud to be an American," said Emile Sile of Waukesha.
Sile, a native of Cameroon, Africa became a U.S. citizen just five years ago. He said the Fourth of July comes with patriotism.
"It means we are all the same,” said Sile. “No matter your race, your religion, we all stand the same."
Just eight miles east in New Berlin the crowds only grew for their one-mile route.
Eighty floats and acts strutted down the street filled with red, white, blue and of course -- candy.
"I like smaller towns a lot better than bigger towns because it just seems more homey to me," said Kiera Sahin.
While the band played the tunes that make our nation proud, Sahin remembered what the holiday is truly about.
"It's great that our country has freedom and that's what really gets me happy because I know that we're safe here in America," she said.
If you missed out on the Fourth of July parade in your community, there are plenty of firework showings Tuesday night.
For the list of firework shows in your area, click here.
