First Independence Day parade in decades held in Tarentum, Brackenridge

Tarentum and Brackenridge had their first Independence Day in decades on Saturday.

It was organized by the Tarentum Recreation Board as a way to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday.

The parade started along Fifth Avenue in Tarentum, turned onto Corbet Street, to First Avenue into Brackenridge to Morgan Street and ended at McIntire Way.

Many spectators viewed the parade from the shady side of the streets as the region remained in a stretch of blistering hot and humid weather.

Community leaders and business owners marched in the procession, which started on Fifth Avenue around 10 a.m., and ended on McIntire Way. Fire trucks, ambulances, Jeeps and floats dominated the procession.

While there were other Fourth of July celebration’s in the Alle-Kiski Valley, the Tarentum parade was one of only three in the area, with the others taking place in Apollo and Ford City.