Betsy Ross and a couple of Montgomery County fire trucks led the way Thursday as the village of Chevy Chase celebrated the 4th of July with the traditional children’s parade from Village Hall  to Oliver Street Park.

The kids rode bikes and scooters festooned in red, white and blue. Some were pushed in strollers and wagons. Ms. Ross, playing patriotic marches on an i-Pod tucked in her bodice, helped the kids and their parents fall in behind the fire trucks.

When the procession arrived at Oliver Street Park, the marchers were treated to watermelon, popcorn, and cold drinks, plus a moon bounce and a sprinkler. Ms. Ross painted fireworks and flags on arms and cheeks.

Photos©Bob Cullen