AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — The red, white, blue is on full display in Aurora on the Fourth of July!

Aurora is celebrating America’s independence with its 4th of July parade.

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Dozens of floats, marching bands and entertainment help celebrate this year’s parade theme embracing community.

This year’s celebration stepped off at Benton and River and was led by the parade’s grand marshal and public leaders like the city’s new mayor.

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This year’s parade isn’t centered around a specific theme, but it aims to showcase the community and its residents. Crowds gathered along the route to mark the celebration of being American.

“Today is about celebrating our community, embracing unity, and reminding ourselves that we’re all Americans,” said Tony Martinez from the city of Aurora. “Our community is incredibly diverse, and we want everyone to feel included, present, and united here in Aurora.”

Aurora hosted its fireworks show Thursday night, but the celebration will not end here.

If the weather holds, a lot of folks will be out barbecuing and enjoying the day.

Highland Park is also holding an Independence Day Parade, with floats and mascots are filling the streets.

The parade will move from First and Laurel through downtown to Sunset Woods Park.

This year’s theme is “Dream Team” celebrating unity teamwork and resilience.

Before the parade, the city held a remembrance ceremony to honor the lives lost and those affected by the 2022 parade shooting.

Organizers said there will be no fireworks or drone show this year out of respect for the community’s healing process.