For the Fourth of July, Clifton Park kicked off Sunday morning with the Freedom Mile, where runners of all ages lined up for their shot to run the fastest mile

While some were ready to test their abilities, others like Vince Pettograsso tempered their expectations a little bit

“I feel a little nervous,” he said. “I’m not a competitive runner. I’m hoping to be around 10 to 12 minutes. Who am I kidding, 15?”

But even if he doesn’t quite capture that illustrious 12 minute mile. Pettograsso said he is just happy to be here with his family

“It’s like getting back to real life,” Pettograsso said. “Being around people, getting outside, it feels really good.”

But the fun didn’t just stop there. Families lined down the streets to watch the town’s annual Fourth of July Parade.

Floats, classic cars and fire trucks all with candy and other treats were on hand for spectators.

For Jim Gemmett, he faced his own challenges over the past year. But the opportunity to drive his classic car down the road meant a little more to them this year.

“It’s great, unreal,” Gemmett said. “Especially because I had some medical problems in 2020, and this relatively my first time out. I’m just glad to be here and be able to be a part of it.

Attendees said it felt like taking a step towards normalcy, especially celebrating with friends and family once again.

“It’s really exciting to be able to celebrate and feel the joy of the day,” Carolyn Keenan said. “And be surrounded by people and the flag. It’s fun for everybody right?”

As hundreds of people showed up to the town to celebrate the Fourth of July, the moment of unity offered a great moment of reflection for many.

And for Jeff Brown he said there’s one word that encapsulates the entire day.

“Pride probably,” Brown said. “Pride in our country and what we’ve been through and to be able to get back to way things should be and always been. So a lot of pride in who we are and where we’ve come from to get to where we are today.”