From High Point Terrace to Cooper-Young to Central Gardens, the sweltering heat couldn’t keep Memphians away from a slew of morning parades celebrating the Fourth of July.

Parade-goers dressed in patriotic garb lined the route along High Point Terrace to watch the neighborhood’s 75th annual parade — the oldest, continuously running July Fourth parade in the city. 

They were treated to classic cars, golf-cart floats and bicycles creatively decked out with miniature flags, wreaths and tinsel. Some played music fitting the day, including Katy Perry’s song “Firework.”

Calkins: Happy July Fourth, Memphis! Have a parade!

Among the parade marchers were Memphis Mayor Paul Young, state Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, and the Grizzline, the official drum line for the Memphis Grizzlies.

The celebration was also a dog lover’s paradise with a vast array of pet pooches in attendance, from corgis and golden retrievers to Great Danes sporting patriotic bandanas and ribbons. 

Dave Latta and his son James, 8, came from Bartlett to celebrate the holiday with friends and cool off in a pop-up spray area provided by Memphis Fire Department. 

“We have a friend who drives a convertible in the parade every year, so this is our third or fourth time coming,” Latta said. “We love coming down for the fire trucks. They open the water, and the kids really enjoy it.” 

Homes were decorated with pleated American flag buntings and holiday yard ornaments, including inflatables of Uncle Sam and cardboard cutouts of Mount Rushmore, Lady Liberty and even the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid.

The summer morning air smelled of fresh-cut grass, and some neighbors planted chairs on their freshly mowed front lawns to watch the festivities.

Among them was Rosa Elizarraras, who recently moved into the neighborhood. Originally from Mexico, she said she looks forward to the annual Independence Day festivities in her adopted country. 

“I celebrate every year,” Elizarraras said. “We have a plan to spend time with the family.” 

Those plans included eating a post-parade lunch spread featuring carne asada with her daughter Jasmin, a nurse manager at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who’s lived in High Point Terrace for six years. 

“My mom usually does rice and beans along with tortillas and I made dos leches cake with strawberries and blackberries and the American flag on top,” Jasmin Elizarraras said.

In Midtown’s Cooper-Young neighborhood, people celebrated the Fourth of July with a block party outside Peabody Elementary School. 

The family-centered celebration kicked off with a mini-parade, attended by Mayor Young and his wife Jamila Smith-Young, followed by live music, frozen treats, face painting and a special appearance by MFD. 

Children wearing red-and-blue sun hats and beads lined up for a chance to sit in the driver’s seat of an MFD fire truck. Parents treated them to Mempops and face painting, with options ranging from star-spangled butterflies to patriotic tigers and fireworks. 

Kali Potts of Lakeland brought her daughter Mary, 2, to see the fire trucks. 

“She’s been talking about it since she woke up this morning,” Potts said. “We were just looking for things that would be suitable for her age, and as soon as she heard ‘fire truck,' that was it. Fire trucks and Popsicles — what more do you need on the Fourth of July?”

Neighbors took to the streets of Central Gardens near the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a vibrant Independence Day celebration. After a decorating party in the church parking lot, kids on bicycles, trikes and scooters headed out to York Avenue to show off their American-themed designs. 

Dozens of miniature American flags lined the route for the parade led by The Memphis Second Line Jazz Band.

“We’ve been doing the Central Gardens parade for years now,” said Ellis Keplinger, the band’s drummer. “We kind of lead the charge. It’s just wonderful to get back to the community and play for people at a public event rather than a private party or a wedding. It’s a lot of fun to get out here.”

MFD put out a pop-up splash pad for kids to cool down. Families tossed beads and candy from porches, children danced amid bubbles and some neighbors played cornhole while others picnicked on the grassy median strip. 

Good Groceries Mobile Diner cooked up American classics like smoked brisket, macaroni and cheese and a fresh watermelon salad. At the Joe’s Wines & Liquor tent, manager Sisco Larson handed out complimentary glasses of wine and samples of sake.

Most people said they planned to spend the afternoon in a cooler environment while continuing the celebration of the U.S.’s 248th birthday. 

“After this, we’re going to go have hot dogs and hamburgers and sit in the shade for a little while,” Keplinger said.