Click to view Fourth of July Parade slideshow

Politicians, pirates and one giant parade kicked off the celebration of the nation’s birthday in Ames.

The parade started promptly at 11 a.m. with the sounds of police sirens and bagpipes. Many local businesses were present, showing their community spirit.

Ron Fosse, of Ames, said he was enjoying the sights of the parade.

“I always do every year,” Fosse said. “It’s a great time.”

Nicole O’Brien, of Ames, said she also sees the parade every year, but for her children.

“Gathering candy is the main reason for coming,” O’Brien said.

Pat Thompson, of Ames, came out to see the people.

“It’s a good parade, just about as good as the Veishea Parade,” Thompson said.

Thompson said she really enjoyed seeing the pirate ship float. After the parade, Thompson’s plans were to go eat and enjoy the fireworks.

Mary Jo Vivian and Leah Bowman, both of Ames, were a bit more critical about the parade.

“The little towns around Ames come up with better parades with their lawn chair brigades,” Vivian said.

Bowman and Vivian were disappointed with the parade because of the absence of music.

“A parade without music lacks charm,” Vivian said.

Although Vivian said the parade was a little lacking, she and Bowman said they were still enjoying themselves.

“We kind of like to wander around,” Bowman said.

Lowell Greimann and Jennie Laing, both of Ames, walked in the parade for Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who also took part in the parade.

Even with the heat, both Greimann and Laing said it wasn’t too bad.

“We were only on the street about 20 minutes,” Greimann said.

Laing said it helped that the Harkin walkers were at the front of the parade.

For Bronwyn Frame, of Ames, this Fourth of July was different for her from the others she had participated in before.

“This is my first Fourth of July as a United States citizen,” Frame said.

Frame is Canadian by birth but has been an Ames resident for 20 years.

Frame said she also really enjoyed seeing the pirate ship float.

Her plans after the parade included barbecuing with friends and watching fireworks.

Art Weeks, director of the Ames Public Library, walked in front of the book mobile. He said the heat didn’t stop him from enjoying the parade.

“It is hot, but it’s a terrific parade,” Weeks said.

Weeks just moved to Ames one year ago and is thrilled to be a part of Ames.

Weeks said he was very happy to see people come out for the event, showing support for the Ames community.

He said events such the parade binds a community together.

“Iowa maintains these traditions,” Weeks said.