4th of July BBQ

Wasilla Fourth of July parade, picnic draws thousands

WASILLA — When Wasilla throws a Fourth of July blowout, even some of America's biggest names can't stay away. The largest Fourth of July Parade in the city's history even drew Uncle Sam and Santa Claus, who received rousing cheers from the thousands lining the downtown parade route Monday.

"I was so surprised and pleased at the real feeling of patriotism," said Bert Hall, the parade's grand marshal who dressed as Uncle Sam for the event. "The number of people who stood as we went by because we had the first American flag in the parade was great to see. Usually, it's a very low number who stand, but a lot more did this year. It just does something to you."

For more of this story, click on or type the URL below: