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http://www.omniture.com --> Email Story to a Friend July 5, 2006 Click image for larger view Kelli Roelke, 3, of Jacksonville shows her Independence Day spirit while watching the Ashland parade. (Mail Tribune / Denise Baratta) Independence on parade By Paris Achen Mail Tribune As Medford resident Molly Wolfe drove her three children to Ashland's annual Fourth of July parade Tuesday, she explained they were about to celebrate the freedoms that give Americans the rights to express their opinions. "I think the Ashland parade is representative of that," Wolfe said. "Ashland typically has PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and Democratic Party floats, which may seem politically charged to some people in the valley. To me, it's pretty mundane." From Butte Falls to Ashland, Jackson County marked Independence Day with parades, festivals and fireworks Tuesday. The eclectic flavor of Ashland drew residents from around the nation and state, including Gov. Ted Kulongoski, to the parade that winds through downtown. Many spectators set up chairs and blankets Monday to claim the best vantage points. Two fighter jets from Kingsley Field kicked off the parade at 10:15 a.m. screaming low over Main Street as dogs recoiled and the crowds cheered. Bands rocked the parade route, while belly dancers, hula dancers and vehicles decorated with images ranging from butterflies to laboratory waste brightened the streets. Rolling in between were religious floats and displays urging rights for immigrants and protection for watersheds. Some people carried signs condemning the Bush Administration for the war in Iraq. One sign stated, "International Terrorist George Bush". Others said "Peace is Patriotic." Some veteran spectators, however, said the parade had fewer anti-Bush displays than in past years. "A couple of years ago I stopped going to the parade because I felt like people were dragging George Bush through the streets," said Ashland resident Bob Jayne. "It made me mad. It seems less political this time." Boise, Idaho, resident Alison Terrill said she has visited Ashland on a regular basis since she was a child, but Tuesday was the first time she had seen the parade. "The energy here is different than anywhere else I've been," Terrill said. "The people are so accepting of each other and alternative lifestyles." Local businesses took advantage of the throngs of people on the streets, setting up booths at Evo's Java House on East Main Street. "It's been great," said Ariel Will, owner of Small Craft Advisory on East Main Street. Will set up a booth next to the sidewalk, a much more visible spot than her shop, which is usually tucked in a basement space. "The parade has been pretty mellow," she said. "It doesn't seem as big as last year." Reach reporter Paris Achen by calling 541-776-4459 or [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations --> online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Entertainment Guide --> Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Casino Reviews