NEWBERRY — An annual tradition in the City of Newberry is returning again for another year of fun. The Harper Street Bike Parade will be held July 4 at 9:30 a.m. and will make its way towards Calhoun Street. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, golf carts, wagons, scooters and more to show their patriotism. Harper Street will close around 8:30 a.m. to prepare for the parade.
Michelle Long, executive director of the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce, said they are asking participants to refrain from lining up at Harrington Street if the line extends to that street for safety purposes. She added that they are also asking anyone driving a golf cart to turn off the street once they reach the end of the parade to make room for the children.
Any political campaigning and other solicitations is strongly discouraged.
As with each year, the parade will conclude with the City of Newberry Fire Department hooking up to the fire hydrant and dousing kids and big kids at heart with water. Anyone attending is asked to make room for the fire truck, which will hook up at the hydrant on the corner of Harper and Walnut Street.
The parade has grown over the years, first being held in 2002. Long said it started with invitations being sent and door tags being left on doors – now its mostly word of mouth from people in the community. This year on Harper Street, Long has some new neighbors who will be experiencing the parade for the first time.
After recently getting married and purchasing a home on Harper Street, Lauren Folk and her husband Tanner are prepping their yard for their first Harper Street Bike Parade.
“We’re trying to be prepared. We don’t know what to expect, but we’re ready for it,” Folk said.
This year, she added, they will be watching the parade from their yard, but will be decorating and are prepping their yard to celebrate with the rest of the neighborhood.
The parade will be held rain or shine.
Donations will also be accepted for Quarters for Kids. Donations will go to the City of Newberry Fire Department to benefit families who have been negatively impacted by fire.