Julian will salute the people who make the tiny town work day in and day out at the 2008 renewal of its Fourth of July parade.

Dubbed the "greatest little small town parade in America," the Julian event that frequently draws 10,000 viewers celebrates the Spirit of America: Hometown Heroes. Heading up the list of hometown heroes is Kevin Dubler, chief of the Julian Cuyamaca Volunteer Fire Department, who will serve as grand marshal of this year's parade.

But Julian has many hometown heroes to honor. To that end local service and civic organizations will be represented on the parade's signature entry, the 80-year-old Mack stage that was used to carry passengers between Julian and San Diego.

The following organizations have been invited to designate a member to ride in the stage down Main Street: Julian Woman's Club, Triangle Club, Lions Club, Friends of the Julian Library, American Legion support groups, Julian Historical Society, Julian Parade Committee, Julian Medical Foundation, Julian Merchants Association and the Julian Chamber of Commerce.

The biggest appeal of the Julian parade is its small town nature. You'll be standing side by side with local residents who wave to friends and neighbors astride horses, driving antique cars, and riding aboard fire engines from the region. You can cheer the newly crowned Miss Julian and her court. There are drill teams, military units, animals of all descriptions, plus flags, bunting and marching bands.

This year as always, the parade steps out from the parking lot at Julian High School promptly at noon on Friday, July 4. But better plan to get there early, not only for a good parking spot, but also to stake out a front row seat to enjoy the screaming pre-parade activities, especially a flyover by up to five vintage airplanes, but also patriotic speeches and a town sing-along. Everyone gets a tiny flag to wave.

The parade is the centerpiece of a collection of activities that celebrate Julian’s unique heritage. Foremost is a weeklong quilt show in Town Hall presented by the Julian Woman’s Club; it displays antique and new quilts primarily from Julian family collections. The town’s American Legion always holds a barbecue following the parade. And there’s entertainment, music and open shops throughout the event.

For information contact Julian Chamber of Commerce, 760/765-1857.