The annual Fourth of July parade will feature over 60 entries and a large contingent of military personnel.

Tricia Verschage, Parade Coordinator, said that this year will be one of the biggest yet.

“Not counting the military portion of it, or the Junction City Police Department and Fire Department who are hopping in to show off their really cool vehicles – we also have the girls 6A championship track team,” said Verschage. “There’s 60 entries alone that weren’t counting any of the other stuff.”

Brigadier General Patrick D. Frank, Fort Riley, and a group of fifty soldiers will lead the parade march.

The Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard will also participate in the parade. Lieutenant Alex Schade, Company Commander, said they try to participate in as many local events as possible.

“We definitely prioritize our local community partners, because at the end of the day Fort Riley is in the Flint Hills region and it’s important for us to be at home as much as we possibly can,” said Schade.  “We really do make it a priority to be home for the major events.”

This year’s Grand Marshall is someone with local roots – Miss Kansas 2017.

“It’s Catherine Carmichael…I was like you know what, she’s from here, let’s reach out,” said Verschage. “[Catherine] has been so gracious and she’s so excited to come do this.”

Carmichael attended Fort Riley middle school before going on to graduate from Manhattan High School and attend the University of Kansas.

The parade begins at 10:00 am and travels down 6th Street from Eisenhower Dr. at Junction City High School – it will end near 6th and Adams or where the streets are blocked for the carnival.

The reviewing stand will be located in the old Quizno’s parking lot, next to McDonald’s. All entries that wish to be judged will be outfitted in the patriotic theme in staying true to the 100 Years and Danger Strong parade theme.

The parade will also be broadcast on 1420 KJCK AM radio station.