Albert Lea comes out for its annual Third of July Parade

Bridge Avenue was lined with people Monday for the annual Third of July Parade.

Veterans, including those who are missing in action or prisoners of war, were honored.

A bevy of candy was given to children who lined the street on a beautiful, sun-splashed evening.

Zoe Neitzell of Hayward was at the parade with her children and her husband. She said she enjoys the event because she can visit people, see local businesses and their advertisements, be with her family and have a night out.

“I come every year,” she said. “I don’t know if I have missed a year yet.”

Local businesses, organizations, marching bands, churches, politicians and other groups had floats in the parade, and the crowd started to gather on Bridge Avenue more than an hour before the event. Chairs had been set on the road by Monday morning.

“It’s great,” said Blue Earth resident Kendra Ober. “Great community — love the parade. It’s really big. I would definitely come and do it every year.”

Parade winners

Nonprofit

1. St Johns Lutheran Community*

2. Grapevine Twist Square Dancers

3. Albert Lea Exchange Club

Commercial

1. Prairie Senior Cottages

2. Home Federal Bank

3. Albert Lea Taxi

Youth

1. Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio

2. Albert Lea Robotics

3. Head Start

*overall winner