When asked how old America is, Maci Kinard raised one hand high above her head and lowered the other hand toward the floor.
Translation — America is really, really old.
Kinard, dressed in red, white and blue, marched in the annual Hickory Creek Child Center Fourth of July parade Friday morning to celebrate America’s birthday.
“I liked waving our flags,” Kinard said.
Gloria Ainsworth Day Care hosted its annual parade Thursday.
“They really enjoy it. Anytime you put a musical instrument in their hand and tell them to march around, they’re happy,” Gloria Ainsworth teacher Christina Conway said.
The day care will move to its new location in October.
“This will be our last year in this neighborhood, so we’re really jazzing it up,” Conway said.
The parades also served as a part of the kids’ lessons about Independence Day.
“We believe in teaching the kids the value of patriotism,” Hickory Creek teacher Amanda Claxton said.
“We think it’s important to teach kids about Independence Day, about our country, our flag. It’s also a fun thing in the summer to have a parade. Kids love parades,” Conway said.
The kids’ parades went up and down the sidewalks so drivers passing by could see them. The kids enjoyed the attention.
“I liked the cars to come,” Carmen Ward said.
Another favorite part of the parade were the balloons.
“I liked the balloons because they’re cool,” Thomas Childress said.
According to the kids, the Fourth of July holiday represents many things.
“The American flag,” Kelsey Bryant said.
“Because we get to see the Statue of Liberty,” Zayne Fisher said.
Overall, everybody had fun wishing America a happy birthday.
“We enjoyed it as much as the kids did,” Hickory Creek teacher Helen Posey said.
Jennifer Lindsey, 221-6526
Phil Banker, 221-6542
