The atmosphere was undoubtedly festive Monday as a crowd gathered Monday morning in downtown McMinnville for the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

The celebration was capped by a baby show held inside the air conditioned comfort of Park Theater. Hadlee Green was one of the many participants who let her personality show. She pranced around the stage and looked adorable in winning the 5-6 age category.

Outdoor activities on Court Square were just a tad bit warmer. From a visual standpoint, it looked like the largest crowd to compete in the annual Stars and Stripes Fun Run in years. 

After the race, participants hung around the area for the Yankee Doodle Children’s Parade, which had 43 patriotic entries. The children made two loops around Court Square as parents and grandparents took advantage took advantage of the opportunity to snap photos and shoot cellphone video.

The children’s parade winners are as follows:

Newborn to

preschool

1st – Rayce Roberts

2nd – Lillie Hopkins

3rd – A.J. Watson

Grades K-1

1st – Ezra Smartt

2nd – Stokley Newman

3rd – Evie Partin

Grades 2-3

1st – Iva Newman

Grades 4-5

1st – Kaydence Walling

2nd – Khloe Howell

3rd – Hudson Heatherly

Group

1st – Maverick and Skylee McCormack

2nd – Charlotte and Rosalyn Taylor

3rd – Hallie and Trace Bell