This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Thousands watched as the annual Grand Parade — the largest July Fourth event of its kind in Utah — took place Monday in downtown Provo starting on University Avenue. The iconic Utah Valley parade attracts an average of 300,000 people each year, according to organizers; it featured hand-crafted floats, marching bands, military and emergency service vehicles, BYU and UVU cheer squads and giant helium balloons. Independence Day festivities continued Monday in downtown Provo with the final day of Freedom Days, a festival at Center Street and University Avenue with live entertainment, food vendors, carnival rides, local arts and crafts and much more. More than 200 vendors were participating this year.