The Annual Santa Clarita Fourth of July Parade is almost here and will be drawing residents from all over the Santa Clarita Valley down to Main Street in Old Town Newhall for some patriotic fun for the whole family.

Parade entries are now being accepted. Fees to enter the parade range from $35 to $150 depending on whether you are a non-commercial or commercial entry. Entry forms, liability waivers, parade route and other details are available on SCVParade.com

Entries and application fees must be mailed to SCV Fourth of July Parade P.O. Box 802993 Santa Clarita Ca. 91380-2993 by June 20 to avoid late fees.

The theme this year is “Our Heroes: We Can Because They Do”. Santa Clarita Boys and Girls Club chief professional officer Jim Ventress will serve as this year’s grand marshal. Ventress will be retiring from his position with the club after three decades of service, later this year.

The parade will feature a “Pooper Scooper” contest for those that want to take part in keeping the parade route clean. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best decorated pooper scooper, according to Linda Storli, Chairwoman of the SCV Parade Committee.

Road closures will begin at 7 a.m. and the parade will start at Main Street and Newhall Avenue at 9 a.m. The route will make its way from there to Lyons Avenue ending at 16th Street.

The military theme will be showcased first with the Color Guard and riderless horse which symbolize fallen warriors.

Other Independence Day Events

The Santa Clarita Runners Club will be hosting the 32nd annual Independence Day Classic on Friday, July 4, 2014. The event features a 5K, 10K, Kid’s K and Non-Competitive Walk. Proceeds from the event will benefit local high school cross country teams.For more information visit scrunners.org

The Westfield Valencia Town Center will be hosting a 30 minute long fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. For the soundtrack tune in to KHTS 1220 AM for a live broadcast during the show.

Stevenson Ranch is also hosting a fireworks show at the Dr. Richard Riox Memorial Park. The show starts at 9 p.m. and gates will open at 6 p.m.

Independence Day Timeline

6 a.m. Parade registration opens.

6:30 a.m. Equestrian staging begins at Heritage Junction at Hart Park.

6:30 a.m. Santa Clarita Rotary Club PANCAKE BREAKFAST in the Roger Dunn Golf parking lot on San Fernando Road between 5th and 6th streets.

7 a.m. Street closures scheduled to take place.

7 a.m. Santa Clarita Runners’ 10K RUN-WALK starting and ending at Newhall Park.

7:30 a.m. Equestrian judging at Heritage Junction at Hart Park.

8 a.m. Santa Clarita Runners’ 5K RUN-WALK starting and ending at Newhall Park.

8 a.m. Parade registration closes.

9 a.m. PARADE BEGINS.

Approx. 12:30 p.m. Trophies awarded at El Trocadero Restaurant.