Independence Day parade draws Rio Rancho crowds

American flags were in full display at the 4th of July parade in Rio Rancho Monday.

Under cloudy skies that threatened to rain, the parade got its start at the top area at the Rio Rancho Events Center and weaved its way down past the city offices as residents waved flags and kids clamored for candy.

There were a lot of Jeeps, one virtually covered in American flags, a dog wearing an ad for Sunday is Funday and a girl doing a flying kick from Master Jim’s Taekwondo Academy.

There was also plenty of security, coming as the parade did after a mass shooting at a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, a Chicago suburb. Rio Rancho police were everywhere and in plain sight.

The Rio Grande Symphonic Band and New Mexico Philharmonic played patriotic songs under the Skyroom Amphitheater in Campus Park in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Cotton candy was, by far, the kids’ favorite.