YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - It was nearly 90 degrees at 9:45 a.m. when children began filling up the intersection of Plumas and Center streets in Yuba City on July 4.

At the forefront, the usual suspects of this annual event could be seen, including the Color Guard, Yuba City Police Department members, the Yuba City Fire Department and local officials such as Dave Shaw, Wade Kirchner and Marc Boomgaarden.

 Sukhraj Gill, left, and Amelia Mullen, right, represent the Yuba City Youth Commission at the annual Children’s Parade on July 4th in Yuba City.

“This is definitely one of the highlights of our job,” said Yuba City Mayor Shon Harris as he and his team began gathering the horde of kids into numbered rows.

As the children squirmed to get into place, Jerry Gregg, one of Yuba City’s primary event photographers, eagerly began snapping away at the crowd.

 Corey Kersting directs the Yuba Sutter Symphony in the shade of Town Square in Yuba City on July 4th.

“I’ve only photographed this about three times,” said Gregg. “The first time, I didn’t even know that it went all the way down to the fountain. Next year, I’m hoping that we can get my grandson in it.”

For many, the Children’s Parade has been a tradition that goes back more than a quarter century. The festivity calls for all to join in a nearly half-mile trek, either on foot or on a non-motorized wheeled device of their choosing. Most opted for decorated bikes, scooters, skates and wagons, although a few strollers and push carts also made it into the mix.

 Riders glide down Plumas Street towards the Town Square fountain during the annual Children’s Parade on July 4th in Yuba City.

The parade traditionally starts with a brief announcement and the Pledge of Allegiance before setting off. To avoid overcrowding, local officials released the flood of riders one row at a time, which accumulated into hundreds of riders gliding south toward the Town Square fountain.

Their arrival was greeted by live music triumphantly floating into the air, courtesy of the Yuba Sutter Symphony under the direction of Corey Kersting.

 Riders glide down Plumas Street towards the Town Square fountain during the annual Children’s Parade on July 4th in Yuba City.

“Corey believes this is his 12th year; he thinks they started in 2012,” said Morgan Kersting, Kersting’s wife. “There used to just be the parade and we would start at the GAP (Gauche Aquatic Park) but we thought, ‘hey, wouldn’t it be fun if there was music and stuff to get people to hang out more.’ So we talked to the city and the fire department and now here we are!”

 Riders glide down Plumas Street towards the Town Square fountain during the annual Children’s Parade on July 4th in Yuba City.

After working up a sweat, participants were treated to free popsicles, hot dogs, water and chips.

 Yuba City Councilman Wade Kirchner, left, Marc Boomgaarden, center, and Yuba City Vice Mayor Dave Shaw pose for a selfie at the start of the Children’s Parade on July 4th in Yuba City.

“It was really fun hanging out with the community and it felt very free because you were just riding your bike around,” said 10-year-old EverLynn Sutton, who was slated to sing the National Anthem at the Marysville Drakes game later that day. “It’s also fun because I did it on the Fourth of July so it feels like I’m honoring our country.”

 Flag bearers wave in participants at the conclusion of the annual Children’s Parade at Town Square in Yuba City on July 4th.