BAY VIEW, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Saturday, July 4, Bay View turned into a sea of red, white and blue as thousands came out to celebrate America's 250th birthday with the annual parade.

Officials said this is the largest parade in the City of Milwaukee and the city's longest tradition, dating back to 1911.

"I moved here in 2005, so I come out here every year," said Alicia Lugauer, who lives along the parade route. "I like seeing all the community come out and support, it's a lot of fun... we got a lot of problems today but there are so many good things about the country, it's pretty awesome."

The parade was filled with floats, live music, a marching band, and bags upon bags of candy which were passed out to children attending the event.

"It's old school fun, no AI, all candy, all bands and just good vibes," said Lisa Slapczynski, who has been watching from the same spot with her family for two decades. "We are doing so good, we've been doing this for 20 years, we've never missed it, and I think even though we've done it for 20 years, we're the newbies!"

Her son, Parker, said his favorite moments include watching the Dancing Grannies and seeing who shows up. 

"Every summer we melt our butts off here, but we know the people in the parade are melting more, so that keeps me going," Parker said.

And when asked why it was so important for them to come each year?

"You just got to celebrate the country, no matter what's going on, whether you agree with the administration or not, it's always gotta be faith and country," Slapczynski said.

While the parade ended, the festivities are set to continue through the rest of the day, culminating in a large fireworks show.