Columbia State Historic Park invites you to its annual Glorious Fourth of July Celebration on Monday, July 4 with a community parade, games and more.

The parade tradition, which began in 1852, welcomes you to march in a short, shady and fun parade. Decorate yourself and your kids, your group, your pets (under 120 pounds), your bicycle, or your vehicle (vintage 1964 or older), and join the celebration. Prizes will be presented. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia, and the parade is at noon.

If you just want to sit and relax, find a place on the boardwalk for a good view of the parade, featuring Columbia’s Grand Marshal and Goddess of Liberty, each riding in antique vehicles. Come early for the best parking, and bring lawn chairs.

The Independence Day festivities, sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, begin with a Flag Raising and Black Powder Musket Salute by the Columbia Militia at 11 a.m.

The Great Mother Lode Brass and Reed Band will also give a free concert at 11 a.m. Try your skill at the many contests popular in the early days of Columbia, with ‘Needle in the Haystack,’ a watermelon eating contest, ‘Bucket Brigade,’ a nail pounding and greased pole contest, an egg relay and egg toss, cake walks, and the ‘Five Way Tug-O-War.’ A one dollar donation is suggested to participate in contests.

The day concludes with a pulled pork barbeque at 4 p.m. followed by a town picture. Barbeque tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children 10 and under. Proceeds of the day benefit the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in their work to put on many free events in Columbia State Historic Park throughout the year.

For more information, call 209-536-1672 or go to visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.