We were there last year for the Fourth of July and the parade was great. Everyone went all out with their decorations--even those who rented golf carts. We didn't know it was such a big event, so we weren't prepared with enough decorations (I have a tub ready for the next time). They had bubble machines, mardi gras type beads (red, white & blue of course) and candy. Plenty of activities for the kids also, my grand daughter was busy all day. We're just sorry we have to miss it this year, we don't get to the fort until the following week. It was hot last year, but not as hot as it usually is in July. We had alot of rain which kept things cooled off.