4th of July parades, celebrations in El Paso through the years

At the Diablos game, between innings, fans got into the patriotic mood as God Bless the USA played over the PA system. Rudy Fajardo, an Army vet from the first Persian Gulf war, waved his flag and sang along July 3, 2003.

Thousands of El Pasoans celebrated July Fourth 2003 and were entertained by fireworks at the El Paso Downtown Street Festival.

Maria Dominguez helped her mother, 86-year-old Antonia Garcóa de Domónguez, keep her hand raised as the elder Dominguez took the citizenship oath during a naturalization ceremony July 3, 3003, at the El Paso convention center.

John Kay and Steppenwolf warmed up the stage for .38 Special July 3, 2003, during the El Paso Street Festival.

Hundreds of people stopped what they were doing at the downtown festival to watch the fireworks at 9:15, July 4, 2003.

At the West Side 4th of July parade 2003, the El Paso County Sheriff's Posse carried flags as they rode down Shadow Mountain Drive.

Caleb Colmenero, 6, pulled a patriotic hat over his face during the Independence Day Parade, 2004, on the East Side. Caleb's father, Robert, left, and uncle, Aaron, watched the parade, sponsored by Del Norte Lions Club.

Santa Teresa High School Desert Warrior Marching Band members showed their patriotic colors in the Rotary Club of West El Paso's 2004 Independence Day Parade. It began at Western Hills United Methodist Church and ended at Coronado High School.

Fourth of July Parade 2006.

Fourth of July Parade 2007.

Fourth of July Parade 2007.

Spc. Patrick Calandrillo took over the drums as a band played during a day of July Fourth 2008 fun for soldiers currently completing training at Fort Bliss. Members of the 50th Brigade Combat Team took a day off from training to take in the festivities at McGregor Range.

Luis Mario Ortiz and other World War II veterans rode in a float in the Rotary Club of West El Paso’s 11th annual Independence Day Parade, 2008. The parade was one of two in town celebrating Independence Day.

The annual East Side Fourth of July parade made its way north on Yarbrough Drive on July 4, 2009.

Miss Teen Border City Queen, Siria Bojorquel, rode along the parade route in the Rotary Club of El Paso Fourth of July Parade 2010.

Fourth of July 2010.

The Bel Air High School Pipe band participated in the Eastside Fourth of July paradein 2011.

July 4, 2011, Fourth of July parade.

West Side Fourth of July Parade 2011.

Staff Sgt. Melinda Hamilton of the North Carolina National Guard salutes the U.S. flag during the national anthem at Biggs Park at Fort Bliss, July 4, 2012.

East El Paso celebrated Fourth of July 2012 with a parade down Montwood Drive.

East El Paso celebrated Fourth of July 2012 with a parade down Montwood Drive.

East El Paso celebrated Fourth of July 2012 with a parade down Montwood Dr.

July 4, 2012, Fourth of July parade.

Fort Bliss held its annual Salute to the Union to celebrate the 4th of July 2012 outside the 1st Armored Division Headquarters. The highlight of the ceremony was a 50-gun salute from four 75mm Howitzers.

Fort Bliss held its annual Salute to the Union to celebrate the 4th of July 2012 outside the 1st Armored Division Headquarters. The highlight of the ceremony was a 50-gun salute from four 75mm Howitzers.

July 4, 2012, Fourth of July parade.

Area residents from both Rim Road and Kern Place gathered for the 12th Annual Rim Road Association 4th of July Parade, 2016. Over 400 residents participated in the parade that began at the intersection of Rim Road and Kerbey Ave., headed south on Rim Road to Tom Lea Park where everyone was treated to popsicles and cold water.

Scouts carry the U.S. flag on the parade route for Del Norte Lions Club Fourth of July Parade, 2016, in East El Paso.

Leon Blevins, dressed as Uncle Sam, saluted as he rode in the 2016 Del Norte Lions Club Fourth of July Parade in East El Paso.

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke performs with country music singer Willie Nelson in Austin on the Fourth of July 2018.