There's no better time to put pride of country on display than the Fourth of July, and this year the Turlock Downtown Property Owners and Turlock Chamber of Commerce are hoping to see lots of "Country Pride" in the annual holiday parade.

The downtown parade has been an Independence Day tradition in Turlock for many years and organizers are planning for another festive event. The parade's theme, "Country Pride," was chosen for its double meaning.

"It's a double whammy, if you will, a nod to patriotism and pride in our country and a nod to our country roots. We'd like to see floats that express one or both of those ideas," said TDPOA administrator Dana McGarry.

The parade is slated to begin at 10 a.m. on July 4 at Main and Palm streets, then head west on Main to Broadway. The parade will then head north on Broadway and end at Broadway Park. Organizers are actively seeking additional parade entries, whether they be walking groups, decorated vehicles, bicyclists, or those on horseback.

Many of the same groups that participate in the Turlock Christmas Parade will make appearances on Independence Day, such as the Girl Scouts, milk truck, classic cars and bucking horse, said Chamber Communications Director Desa Cammack.

"We're trying to bring in a little more of what the Christmas parade has, festive, fun floats," she said.

Entries will be judged and awards given, but the main reason for the parade isn't competition.

"It's an opportunity for the community to gather on the nation's birthday and celebrate what makes us uniquely American. This community has a lot of pride; it's not unlike the Festival of Lights, the community really wants to come together and celebrate Turlock," said McGarry.

Parade applications can be found at www.turlockchamber.com and are due by June 13. For more information, contact Desa Cammack at 632-2221.