I grew up in a small farming community, where the Fourth of July parade is a big deal.  The whole town is there.  Half comes to watch, the other half is in it.  Anything goes too–any tractor, animal, wagon, or bike that you can strap an American flag to counters as parade worthy!  After the parade, there is a festival to benefit the library and other organizations in the town.  I may have moved away, but its still a huge tradition for me!