Ralston Independence Day Celebration and Parade

Ralston is a small independent city tucked inside the Omaha metro, and every summer it throws one of the metro's best-loved Fourth of July celebrations. The two-day event has the feel of a classic hometown holiday, with families returning year after year to the same curb spots.

The evening of July 3 brings a picnic on the Granary Green, a pie baking contest with an ice cream social, a family street dance at 77th and Main, and a fireworks show around 10 p.m. launched near the arena at 73rd and Q streets. A 21-and-over concert also runs late that night.

On July 4 the day starts with a fun run, a children's parade and a ceremony, and the main parade steps off at 1 p.m. from 80th and Highland streets, winding east along Main Street to 73rd. Afterward the fire department stages water fights and a cool-down party on the green.

Highlights

• Fireworks on the night of July 3
• Main parade at 1 p.m. on July 4
• Children's parade and fun run on the morning of the Fourth
• Pie contest, picnic and family street dance
• Fire department water fights after the parade

Tips for going

• Parking is first come, first served at the arena, Ralston Park and a temporary lot near Main and 72nd.
• The parade route starts closing to traffic around 10 a.m. on July 4.
• Avoid the 72nd and L Street intersection around fireworks time.
• Bring chairs early; locals set up along Main Street well ahead of the parade.