KINGSFORD - What started out as a half-year celebration of a child's birthday, has become an annual tradition.

Thursday, July 2, marks the 50th anniversary of the Ford Addition Parade.

Parade participants will receive "firecrackers" made of cardboard tubes and covered in red paper with string and filled with candy. This special treat was part of the original event and is made by Gloria Boyce.

John Boyce who grew up at 700 Hamilton Ave., Kingsford, was born on Jan. 4, a birthday too close to Christmas and usually too cold and blustery for a large celebration. So his parents, George and Gloria Boyce, decided to celebrate also his half-birthday which fell on July 4, a perfect time for a children's parade.

Fifty years ago, five 2-year-olds paraded on their bikes around the block wearing Yankee Doodle hats made of newspaper and decorated with a red feather.

The parade now includes around 100 children of many ages. The Kingsford High School Band will lead off the event with patriotic music.

"Several generations of children have enjoyed the excitement of being in a parade and then adjoining to Ford Addition Park for treats and this year promises to be no different," said Linda Hendrickson, event spokesperson.

This year's grand marshal will be June Waisanen, who will be driven by Bob and Jeanne Miller in their 1934 Packard.

The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and will line up in the alley by Ford Park in the 600 block of Hamilton. Children may decorate their bikes, wagons and they can walk to parade route. Kids are reminded to bring a treat to share.

For more information on the parade you may contact Bob or Linda Hendrickson at 774-7744.