The World’s Shortest Fourth of July Parade celebrated 64 years in Aptos

APTOS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Neighbors lined the streets this morning in Aptos to watch their annual "World's Shortest Fourth of July Parade."

This was the event's 64th year, and this year, the spotlight was on local firefighters and recognizing their service to the community. 

Attendees -- both humans and animals -- came decked out in red, white and blue, cheering on the different floats as they went by. 

For most, this was not their first time attending.

"This has been a ritual for the 30 years I've been here," said Aptos resident Tim Potter. "So, I just come down and say 'hi' to friends, 'hi' to everybody, and check out all the rest of the patriots."

"I'm celebrating freedom," another Aptosian Francilene Coffey. "I am so proud to be American. I am Brazilian-American."

The parade had special guests, including Big Foot, Darth Vadar and Santa Claus.