HAMPTON, Va. — A wave of red, white, and blue pedaled down Buckroe Beach boardwalk in Hampton, kicking off the Fourth of July celebrations early on Thursday morning.
“It was fun waving the flag and throwing tea at people!” said Xander Sigfusson who participated in the Buckroe Improvement League’s July 4th bike parade.
“I like holding the piece of paper,” said Xander's brother, Smith.
Not just any paper but the Declaration of Independence which he wore for the parade. On Thursday morning, several families took part in the ride on the boardwalk.
“It’s a local thing," said Hampton resident Woody Newman. "It kicks the day off.”
“It’s a favorite pastime for us," said Laura Smith who visited the area. “Now, it’s definitely going to be part of the tradition.”
Cecile Trevathan, the president of the Buckroe Improvement League, said this is more than just a bike parade. It’s part of an effort to bring the community together, specifically on Independence Day.
“A couple of our members were interested in doing new events that included younger people,” she said.
The group started this neighborhood event last year. She said they decided to bring the event back because many children were excited about it.
Trevathan said the organization puts on events year-round like beach cleanups and school supplies and food drives. She said they also work with city officials on resiliency and community planning.
“The overall goal is to bring people together, to enhance a sense of community, to make them aware of our organization, and to improve our neighborhood,” she said.
People taking part in the parade say this event has helped to develop new relationships with their neighbors. Now that the morning celebration has ended, these children are excited about the events tonight.
“Hanging out on the beach and we put the fireworks on the beach,” said Hannah Smith.
“Spending time with family and also hanging out at the beach and fireworks,” Xander said.
This September, the organization will hold one of its biggest annual events, Buckroe Beach Arts in the Park. It includes art from local artists food and music.