Liam White of Elkview waves an American flag along the parade route Friday in Ripley as people line Main Street for the annual Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

RIPLEY — Many people came “home” to Ripley this weekend for the traditions and fun of small town patriotic festivities during the 154th annual Fourth of July celebration.

Ripley Mayor Carolyn Rader said everything had come together for the town to be able to put on the “acclaimed America’s Largest Small Town Independence Day Parade.”

People from all over the area gathered in downtown and along Main Street Friday to watch the Grand Parade, which Rader said had over 160 parade entries highlighting the area as well as America itself.

“They are all really into celebrating the birth of our nation,” Rader said.

Festivities included the parade, concerts and more.

Ripley Mayor Carolyn Rader is greeted by Ripley Fourth of July Toddler Miss Firecracker Ivy Lopez Friday during the city’s annual Fourth of July Grand Parade. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

The mayor welcomed everyone who came to Ripley this weekend to share this celebration

“I hope people who come to Ripley feel comfortable and welcome,” she said. “I hope everyone who comes will want to come back next year for America’s 250th anniversary and be together right here in Ripley.”

William White of Elkview has come to the parade for the last five years. He said he enjoys the atmosphere of the event and always has a good time.

“It is just a big party and a big festival here to celebrate America’s independence,” he said.

Brittany Ward of Reedy and her family made a weekend of it, attending all the different events in town, enjoying the food and watching the parade as well as going to the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair at nearby Cedar Lakes Conference Center.

The Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade featured the Ripley High School Marching Band. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“It usually takes us two (or) three days to be able to see it all,” she said. “We have always attended the Ripley Fourth of July Parade.

“We enjoy the parade itself and all the festivities that go with it.”

Ward credited Rader and city officials for putting on a good event that really brings the community together.

“It gets everyone outside,” she said. “It puts everyone in the spirit of celebrating the Fourth of July and celebrating our full independence.”

Jenna Snyder of Ripley said she and her family come to parade every year.

Quinn Snyder of Ripley gathers up candy that was given out Friday during Ripley’s annual Fourth of July Grand Parade. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

“It is the perfect small town celebration,” she said. “It has something for everybody. We have been doing it for as long as I can remember and now we bring our kids as well.”

Jason Cuttingham of Ripley said the parade and festivities bring in people from all over the area.

“It has been a family tradition for almost 40 years,” he said. “I was born and raised here.

“It is what you do. It probably takes an hour-and-a-half to watch the parade.”

In addition to the parade there is something for everyone with concerts, a talent show, food, a big fireworks show and more.

People line Main Street on Friday to watch the annual Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade. The parade had over 160 entries with some people commenting that it can take over an hour-and-a-half to watch it all. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Rood Feller Tree Service had a float in the annual Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade on Friday highlighting their services by having a worker perched on top of a tree acting like he was cutting different parts of it. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

The Nemesis Shriners were out on small motorbikes Friday during the annual Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Vincent Riffe of West Ripley Baptist Church hands out popsicles to the crowd during the annual Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade on Friday. He joked handing those out on the hot day was like handing out $100 bills as people were so happy to receive them. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Oliver Cunningham of Ripley enjoys a sucker while watching the annual Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade on Friday. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

Students from Ripley High School carry a large American flag Friday in the annual Ripley Fourth of July Grand Parade. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)