Members of the Syria Shrine Highlanders Pipes and Drum Corp played patriotic music as they marched down Main Street during the Fourth of July Parade in Zelienople Sunday afternoon.

ZELIENOPLE — The Fourth of July Parade brought hundreds of people to the borough's Main Street sidewalks Sunday.

The annual parade, organized by the Rotary Club of Zelienople, returned after a pandemic-borne hiatus, and people appeared ecstatic to have the experience back.

People applauded, shouted and waved as tractors, floats and fire engines made their way down Main Street.

Harmony Fire Chief Scott Garing said his crew always is excited to be part of the parade, and this year was no exception. He said his firefighters spent time leading up to the march cleaning and polishing their vehicles.

“We have a fleet of apparatus that is impressive,” Garing said. “We look forward to it every year. It's our chance to be in front of everybody.”While the emergency vehicles showcased their lifesaving machines, some floats featured Uncle Sam costumes and others featured bands playing live music.Seneca Valley student Jordan Dunn of Harmony said she liked all the tractors that scooted down the road.“I think it's a fun holiday,” Jordan said. “I think it's cool everbody celebrates this holiday.”Another Seneca Valley student, Liam Cubarney of Jackson Township, said his favorite float featured a giant 3D Spiderman that appeared to crouch off the side of a building. He said his cousin helped build the float along with their church.Liam said it was a great day for a parade, and it was a nice break from having to steer clear of people during the pandemic.“It's a lot nicer to be outside with people,” he said.

While many parade participants drove, waved and honked, some threw handfuls of candy to the children.Scott Matz helped draw attention to his family's youngsters by yelling out his appreciation for every participant as they passed by.“We look forward to coming to it every year,” Matz said. “We missed it (last year.)”Matz said aside from the obvious cool-factor of the floats and showcased vehicles, he also gets to catch up with friends and neighbors as the entire community comes together. He said it's also a great day for the family, especially when the children come away smiles and a bag full of candy.“They get a kick out of everything,” Matz said.

Joelle Dietrich, 5, joined her family and cousin Harper Dietrich, 4, to watch the Fourth of July parade in Zelienople Sunday afternoon.

Larry Sullivan, performs with the Resurrection Band, plays in trumpet during the Zelieonple Fourth of July parade Sunday afternoon.