Issue date: 7/8/08 Section: News

A young girl waves an American flag at the participants of the parade. (Erin Matheny/The Daily Eastern News)

Two beauty pageant contestants throw small toys instead of candy to parade attendees. (Erin Matheny/The Daily Eastern News)

A young girl looks through her bag to see what candy she collected during the parade.

An American soldier carries a flag during Friday's parade.

Charleston firefighter Jared Meinhart helps kids operate a fire hose following the parade.

A young girl plays in the foam pit with other children in the park. (Rick Kambic/The Daily Eastern News)

Charleston residents took their Fourth of July festivities outside as they attended the annual Red, White and Blue Days in Morton Park.

The theme for this year was "Celebrate Charleston," and with a parade, concerts, food and other events, it certainly was a celebration.

There were a variety of floats and participants at the parade Friday afternoon, including political candidates, scout troops, bands, veterans, and more.

Kids excitedly picked up treats and toys thrown from people in the parade.

Events in the park consisted of a foam pit, bounce houses, all-you-can-eat ice cream, and concerts, among othe things.

The U.S.A.'s birthday party started early on July 3 and ended on July 4 with fireworks at the Coles County Airport.

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