SHABBONA – An American flag hanging from a Shabbona Fire Department ladder truck welcomed visitors to Purdy’s Lot in Shabbona on Saturday, where families enjoyed inflatables, games, craft and food vendors, a disc jockey and rides.

A parade kicked off the Shabbona Hometown Festival, which has been organized for the past 11 years by the Shabbona Hometown Events Committee.

For more than a decade, Pete and Denise Bakken enjoyed the Shabbona Hometown Festival parade that passes in front of their house. They consider the Fourth of July another holiday to recognize the country’s military men and women.