UTICA, NY-- The city of Utica celebrated Independence Day with music, floats and camaraderie.
Hundreds of people lined south Utica for the annual Fourth of July parade, that kicked off at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in front of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. The parade was organized by the Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region.
"It's wonderful for the city, I think it brings everybody together having a good time," said Caroline Kupeic, of New Hartford. "It's just fun for a beautiful summer day."
Roughly 160 groups marched, rolled by or even flipped through the parade route, led by this year's grand marshall, NEWSChannel 2's very own Kristen Copeland.
Some said it's also a day to remember and honor America's veterans.
"I went out yesterday and bought a brand new flag," Jerry Kupeic said, a New Hartford resident. "We put up flags all over the place and honor our veterans and Independence Day."
"It's wonderful that we do have this freedom," Caroline Kupeic said. "We're so lucky."
Some said the parade highlights the local sense of pride for the country and the community.
"We like to see all the kids out," said Marissa Brown, of Utica, holding her daughter Madalynn Brown. " To see other older people out ready to celebrate all decked out in their red, white and blue. We like to see everybody out here supporting the community like to see everybody out in one day."
