More than 100 children and adults — and several dogs — head back to the North Hills Swim and Racquet Club during the community’s annual Fourth of July parade Tuesday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

More than 100 children and adults paraded up and down Brentwood Drive in North Hills Tuesday, their clothing and modes of transportation decorated with stars, stripes and the colors of the American flag. It’s an event that has gone on for about 30 years.

“I just think it’s fun to get back to the old-fashioned Fourth of July, celebrating with neighbors,” North Hills resident K.C. Bashaw said as she walked behind her 3-year-old daughter Rosie.

Riding a three-wheeler sporting multiple American flags, trimmed with red-white-and-blue tinsel and dragging a trio of jingle bells in the same color scheme, Rosie won the prize as the most patriotic entry.

Megan Lake grew up in North Hills and moved back in part because of the town’s family atmosphere. Tuesday’s parade, which she helped organize for the first time this year, is a prime example of that, Lake said.

Photo by Jess Mancini The annual July 4 fireworks show at Parkersburg City Park sponsored by American Legion Post 15 ignited without a hitch Tuesday night. The roughly 20-minute pyrotechnical display was seen by numerous residents who caused traffic jams before and after, including 23rd Street where cars were parked on both sides of the busy road. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

“This is one of my favorite events that North Hills does,” she said.

Her 4-year-old son, Carter, said his favorite part was “riding my bike,” which his mom, dad and sister helped him decorate.

“It’s just everybody pulling together on the Fourth of July and having a good time,” said Jackie Lake, Megan’s husband and Carter’s father. “The kids love it.”

North Hills resident Berylann Lewis said her 5-year-old granddaughter, Caprica Peck, enjoys the parade. But Lewis also uses the opportunity to explain to her the meaning of the holiday.

“It kind of gets in their mind what the Fourth of July’s about,” she said. “It’s a good way to start.”

Some revelers shot their own fireworks on Tuesday. (Photo by Jess Mancini)

Melissa Gordon’s family first organized the South Hills parade when they moved into the neighborhood 20 years ago. Starting on South Lake Drive and going around the block, the parade only lasts about 15 minutes, she said, but the decorating and preparation go on for days.

“You always drive around the neighborhood the night before and you see them decorating their bikes,” Gordon said.

Gordon said her children were little at the time the parade started. Now, many of the youngsters who once rode their bikes in the parade are grown and bring their own children back to participate.

“Our neighbors like a chance to get together. And it’s one way to celebrate the holiday,” Gordon said. “It’s good, clean family fun.”

And it’s not just the kids and their parents who enjoy it.

Nine-year-old North Hills resident Izzy King poses for a photo with her dogs, Roxy, left, and Daisy, in the wagon in which she pulled them during the community’s annual Fourth of July parade Tuesday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

“One year, I wasn’t going to have it, and I got a phone call from an elderly lady in the neighborhood who jumped all over me for not organizing it,” Gordon said with a laugh.

Members of the Parkersburg High School A Cappella Choir, from left, sophomore Emma Padden, alumna Alyssa Knight, senior Danny Ha, junior A.J. Vann and senior Kate Snider, sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to the start of the annual North Hills Fourth of July parade Tuesday. (Photo by Evan Bevins)

Payton, left, and Cade Mackey were among the children participating in Tuesday’s South Hills Neighbors Fourth of July parade. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Gordon)

From left, Megan, Morgan and Peyton Wilson ride in South Hills’ Independence Day parade Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Gordon)

Scott Gordon and his son, Chase, led the South Hills Fourth of July parade Tuesday in their family food truck. The Gordon family has organized the parade for 20 years. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Gordon)

Barbie Jones, left, rides in a golf cart driven by her daughter-in-law Pam Crislip, as her great-grandchildren enjoy patriotic popsicles during the South Hills Neighbors Fourth of July Parade. (Photo courtesy of Melissa Gordon)