That was the case throughout the Keweenaw, as people came together from one end of the Copper Country to the other for lively Independence Day celebrations.

In Dollar Bay, crowds lined Main Street for the parade. Flags were out in force, spotted everywhere from children’s bicycles to tractors.

After the parade, children headed to Pioneer Park for games. Others headed to the baseball field, where the Dollar Bay Fire Department barbecued chicken.

Pete Nye of Quincy Hill has gone to the Lake Linden and South Range parades some years, but primarily sticks to Dollar Bay’s.

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette

“I like seeing everyone,” he said.

Dave Brentar of Hancock enjoys the small-town feel of the parade. He also enjoys going out to the lake with family and grilling food.

“It’s a celebration of family, friends and our country,” he said.

Holding an American flag, Kathy Balog of Houghton said she likes meeting people and seeing what red, white and blue clothes people wear.

“It’s just a really cool ambience here,” she said. “I love it. The parade is great. It’s almost like family here.”

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette

It wasn’t the final parade of the day for some of her friends, who were packing up for the parade in Gay.

Asked what the day means to her, she said “independence” and “freedom.”

Joshua Vissers/Daily Mining Gazette

Joshua Vissers/Daily Mining Gazette