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Thousands braved the heat, Wednesday, coming out for Eaton Rapids' annual July 4th celebration, one of the largest in the area and, according to Eaton Rapids Mayor, Steven Platte, it is not surprising to see that many people come out.

"It's 90-something degrees now, but the roads are packed, three and four deep to watch the parade," said Platte. "Our community is very patriotic."

Many Eaton Rapids residents have been attending the parade for their entire lives.

"I got my wife, my four children and my eight grandchildren," said Merrill Shelden, 60, of Eaton Rapids.

The parade featured the usual sights and sounds, like fire trucks and marching bands, but it also had a new addition...a flash mob. In the middle of the parade, around 50 people took to the street for a two-minute choreographed dance, including the Mayor himself.

"I wasn't very good," said Platte.

Anything to make this year's fourth of July, a memorable one.

Just minutes after the finish of the Eaton Rapids Fourth of July parade, Wednesday, many watched as Mayor Steven Platte Unveiled a new clock outside city hall.

"Today is our 175th anniversary and chose the Fourth of July to commemorate it," said Platte.

To help commemorate the occasion, special events, like the clock dedication were added throughout the annual Eaton Rapids Fourth of July celebration.

Immediately following the clock dedication, Mayor Platte also unveiled a mural next to the city hall building, depicting the history of Eaton Rapids. The mural was both designed and painted by people from the town, an important factor for a community where some families have lived for generations.

"You can be here 20 years and still be considered new," said Platte.