MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — A group of six neighbors in Mahomet are keeping their Fourth of July tradition alive, hoping it will eventually become a cherished local event.

They call the celebration “Independence Lane.” Along the road, the neighbors display American flags and set up inflatables. On Thursday, they handed out hot dogs to people passing by and continued sharing treats on Friday evening.

“We set up many inflatables for the kids to have fun with,” said Casey Ryan, a resident of Mahomet. “We also give out face tattoos, flags, and a variety of patriotic items.”

That swag includes flags, glowsticks and more. Ryan said the block has always put flags up, but that it got taken to another level a few years ago. 

“Our neighbor, he put up this big giant Uncle Sam,” Ryan said. “So, we quietly planned — without telling him — to add more inflatables. Then, we continued to add the decorations in the yards.”

Ryan said the friendly competition has blossomed into a tradition that local kids enjoy. She hopes “Independence Lane” expands and becomes an event people in the community come to every year.