COLUMBIA  — Columbia State Historic Park is the setting for Columbia's Glorious Fourth of July Celebration on Thursday, July  4.

Columbia's parade tradition began in 1852. If you've ever wanted to march in a parade, the Glorious 4th of July Parade is the best.  It’s short, and shady, and fun. Decorate yourself and your kids, your group, your pets (under 120 pounds), your bicycle, or your vehicle (vintage 1963 or older), and join the parade. 

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Fallon Theatre in Columbia, and the parade is at noon. The Grand Marshal and Goddess of Liberty for Columbia's 2013 4th of July Parade have just been selected: they are Ron DeLacy and Leslie Davis of Columbia.
  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 firing of the cannon by the Columbia Foot Dragoons at 11 a.m. Following the noon. parade, enjoy the Great Mother Lode Brass & Reed Band concert, dance in the street, and try your skill at the many contests popular in the early days of Columbia. Kids relish the greased pole climb and bucket brigade, and other old-fashioned contests for all ages include nail pounding, watermelon- and pie-eating, egg relay race and egg toss, cake walk, and a five-way tug-of-war. 
 The parade and concert are free, and each contest will only set you back a buck. After the patriotic concert, enjoy the tri tip BBQ served at 2 p.m. by members of Columbia's Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10 for a meal of tri tip barbecued beef, baked beans, green salad and a roll.  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 visit columbiacalifornia.com.