The first 50 parades were pretty fun. In the 60's we could participate in the 24th of July Pioneer Days parade also. A town 50 miles away had a morning parade while our town had an evening one so we could make both as well as the 4th. Longer waits in line with kids and directors who weren't as interested in old cars gave way to other plans.
The year Joy and I married we rode in the 4th parade after our wedding. We also had many car club picnics in our back yard with rides in the cars or the bus after the parade.
Now our city fills with lots of folks for the parade and fireworks. It is simpler for us to go to our favorite restaurant during the parade while it is quite. Afterword we gave cranking and driving lessons in the empty parking lot behind our place.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday no matter how you decide to enjoy it.
Rich