The Fourth Of July Parade in Dickeyville, Baltimore, Maryland

James is from a small village within Baltimore's city limits. It's a colonial mill town with long-standing traditions, including a charming Fourth of July parade. Last year's parade theme was "The British are coming!" It was the rain that came, but the parade still went on, fun for all.

Through the mist, a parade forms.

Huddling spectators and participants.

The parade begins!

The best theme of the day, repelling invading English ivy. Another hit, banishing them while they're young.

Part of the parade process, performing for an award. Bravo!

The Fantastic Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race

Where else, but in Baltimore, home of John Waters, The Wire and Hons could a race featuring homemade quasi-float machine sculptures exist? Every April or so for the past 16 years, dozens of foolish, energetic folks have slaved away on their quirky rigs for the chance to claim victory over daunting odds. Your little float has to cruise streets, bob on water and sling through mud. Good luck, tomorrow's the big race!

Maybe the most fun is watching art and silliness come to life. Dress up and come take a look.

Fifi, the Grande Dame of the parade, was created by the organization that is behind the race, the American Visionary Arts Museum. Bravo!

A couple of 2014 entrants, by sea or by land.

It gets nasty in the mud section, separating the aesthetics from the kinetics.

Participants and spectators, both groups dressed for the occasion.

Kinetic kid portrait.