Rain or Shine, We Show Up

July 08, 2025

•5 mins read

Our July 4th Parade Tradition

There’s something about July 4th that always brings a sense of nostalgia mixed with fresh excitement. It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring rain or beaming sunshine and this day, the celebration always goes on. This year was no exception. Rain or shine, we were there, and so was the entire street full of families, neighbors, and friends, all gathered to celebrate freedom, unity, and community.

But this year felt extra special. Our niece was part of the parade band, and you better believe we showed up with full hearts and loud cheers. We waited with anticipation for her to pass by, proudly waving and rooting for her. When we commit to being there for someone, we mean it. We don’t just say it, we show up, rain and all.

Thankfully, the weather held up for the most part. It wasn’t scorching hot like previous days, and even when the skies gave a few drops, we were ready. Our pop-out tent was up in minutes, umbrellas opened with ease. There’s something powerful about preparation that it gives you the freedom to enjoy moments fully instead of worrying about what could go wrong.

And there were plenty of moments to enjoy.

Our youngest connected instantly with the sweetest little girl standing beside us. They took turns handing each other candies tossed from the floats with pure, unfiltered joy. The bigger kids darted in and out of the street, collecting treasures like it was Halloween in July. Honestly, I couldn’t tell who had more fun; the kids or the adults diving for goodies with playful competition.

Characters came to life before our eyes: Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, even Baby Shark dancing along the floats. At one point, gymnasts from a local group performed right in front of us. They were flipping, cartwheeling, and soaring in sync. My kids were wide-eyed, and I caught myself in awe and smiling so big my cheeks hurt. This was the kind of celebration that reminds you why you keep showing up year after year.

As the day faded into evening, we made our way to what’s become our little secret spot well, a quiet parking lot that somehow gives us a front-row seat to firework shows from nearly every nearby town. One would light up, and just as it ended, another would begin. It’s our hidden gem, and watching the night sky sparkle above us while we huddled close together felt like the perfect exhale to a beautifully full day.

I thank God for these moments and the ones where we keep our promises, and still find joy in the middle of it all. These are the memories that build the legacy we want for our family. A legacy of showing up. A legacy of fun. A legacy of togetherness.

What about you?

What’s one July 4th memory that’s stuck with your family—rain or shine?

Share it in the comments, or tag @CoolTravelMom in your parade pics and family moments

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Let’s keep celebrating the joy of showing up—no matter the weather, no matter the season.

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