This year's much-anticipated Fourth of July celebration at Brentwood's Summerset Orchards was a huge success. Co-chaired by Summerset residents Vicki Slawson and Terry Harris, the Parade of Wheels went off without a hitch.

The idea was to give everyone, young and old, an opportunity to join in the parade. Over 35 "wheels" participated in the parade, in everything from golf carts, scooters, roller skates, and miniature cars to bicycles.

Residents gathered and lined up around the local neighborhood park at 9 a.m., and after a free continental breakfast, headed down the streets waving to cheering groups watching from the sidewalks and lounge chairs in front of their homes. Onlookers from impromptu parties handed snacks and drinks to the parading neighbors as they passed by.

This year's parade route was unique because it covered every street in the Orchards community, ending at the lodge with a sell-out crowd of almost 250 friends, family, children and grandchildren attending a traditional noontime barbecue of hot dogs, chips and a drink.

Photos by Greg Harris

The any-age aspect of the parade was clearly shown by the "Cadillac"-driving kids

This furry entrant proved you don't have to be human to be patriotic.

In the spirit of fun and this year's theme of Favorite Movie, trophies made from popcorn and Barbie dolls covered in metallic gold to look like Oscars were presented for decorated wheels and judged by peers at the start of the parade. The awards were given in the categories of Best Drama, Best Animation, Best Sci-fi Thriller, Best Chick Flick, Best Comedy and Best Musical. Creativity in cart design made for stiff competition. Among the decoration themes were Uncle Sam (and Mrs. Sam), the Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Constant Gardener, South Pacific, Jaws, Nemo and even the newest children's movie, Ratatouille.

- Contributed by Greg Harris