IRON MOUNTAIN/KINGSFORD — For many, spending the day with family is a key part of the Independence Day experience.

Families of all sizes gathered in Iron Mountain and Kingsford this morning to watch the Fourth of July Parade. Many use the time to reconnect with family from far away or remember those who are gone.

“We celebrate it for our freedom and our independence, but we also celebrate it for family – those that are here and those that aren’t here,” said Maureen Klose of Aurora, Wisconsin.

For some of the kids, excitement for the festivities stems from another source — candy.

The parade, which featured law enforcement, firefighters, and numerous local businesses, began in Kingsford and made its way through Iron Mountain to the delight of onlookers.