CONNEAUT — The afternoon sun beat down as hundreds of folks lined the streets of Conneaut Saturday, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the annual Fourth of July parade.

Members of the American Legion Cowle Post 151 got things started leading the parade through town. Serving as this year’s parade Grand Marshal was Pat Williams of Cast of Characters. Nearly 20 different cars and trucks of all makes and models, classic and newer models, rolled down the street one after another.

Sirens blared and horns sounded as Conneaut Fire Department Engine 211 made its way down the street. Conneaut Volunteer Rescue Squad 238, Conneaut Fire Engine 241 and Ladder 245 were close in tow, followed by Monroe Township Fire Department, North Kingsville Fire Department.

The Conneaut Young Democrats escorted several democratic candidates for November’s election including Ashtabula County Commissioner Dan Claypool, State Rep. Deborah Newcomb and Sen. Capri Cafaro.

Little Miss Lady Liberty Alivia Sabo was dressed in red, white and blue, waving to parade patrons. Little Miss Fire Cracker and Miss Fourth of July Whitney Shianne followed behind her. Ladies of the Red Hat Society got the crowd excited as they rolled through in golf carts tossing Mardi Gras beads and blowing bubbles.

The Give it a Twirl Baton and Pom-Pom group were dancing in the street to the tune of “Car Wash” and Conneaut’s own Wildfire Dance Team made its annual appearance in the parade. Leading the Conneaut Spartan Marching Band was a car escorting Conneaut schools’ new superintendent Kent Houston. The car was complete with a banner saying “Welcome Back Mr. Houston.”

Several other groups participated in the parade including various churches, Girl Scout troops, the Northeast Ohio Radio Flyers and Excel Twirlers from Jefferson. Concluding this year’s parade were members of the Ashtabula Farm Bureau and the Freedom Riders 4-H Club, all of which were on horseback.

Conneaut’s annual Fourth of July Festival will wrap up today food, games and rides for the whole family. The event is being held at Conneaut’s Lakeview Park. Witz End will entertain folks at 7 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. The finals of the “Conneaut Idol” competition will take place at 8 p.m. The event will conclude at 10:30 p.m. with a fireworks show at the lakefront.