Wednesday morning, the kids in Perry’s Academic, Cultural, and Enrichment Services (PACES) program took part in a Fourth of July tradition, with their annual parade.

The students in the summer program were decked out in their PACES attire and carried banners and other decorations as they took a lap around Perry Elementary School. The participants even threw out candy for those in attendance to watch the processional. The crowd was a mix of kids not enrolled in PACES but taking part in summer activities at the school, family members of the students in the parade, and even a few community members who simply love a parade.

The parade started at the west entrance of the school, as the participants gathered around the flagpole to say the “Pledge of Allegiance.” It then went north around the building and concluded at the east entrance. At that time, everyone was invited to stay and eat lunch. PACES Director Mary Hillman says their annual Fourth of July parade is a fun way to get Perry’s holiday festivities going on a smaller scale, adding that the kids in the summer program always look forward to it.