Ann Arbor 4th of July Parade

Meeting spot just announced: Spot #49 on Maynard Street, midway between E. Liberty & E. William streets. If you can't find us, ask a parade volunteer for help.

There is still time to download the songs, practice at home and join us. Newcomers welcome!

We're looking for uke players, friends, spouses, siblings and kids to join us for this annual event. (Even if you don't play, you can march, sing, play kazoo, hold the banner or take pictures).

The parade starts at 10 a.m. and proceeds in a rectangle: from the corner of State and William to Liberty, down to Main, over to William, and back up to State.

The walk itself goes by pretty quickly, maybe 30 or 40 minutes tops. We will be singing the same 3 or 4 easy songs over and over along the route. Songs and MP3s are posted in the More/Files section to download and practice.

Songs are:

1. "This Land Is Your Land" (C)

2. "When The Saints Go Marching In" (C)

3. "You're A Grand Old Flag/Yankee Doodle Boy (C)"

4. "Ukes On The March" (F)

These are pretty simple, so try to learn them so you don't need the charts. Even if you forget a chord here or there, no one will know the difference.

Plan on traveling light, wearing comfortable sneakers and bringing sunscreen, hat, backpack and water bottle.

Attire is: Hawaiian shirt, shorts or jeans. And don't forget the kazoo!

In the files section you'll also find a map, waiver and information from the Jaycees. We'll have a waiver there. Everyone must sign it before we start marching.

See you there!

• Greg