EVERETT — Soaking up sunshine, the crowd waved, cheered, danced and erupted in laughter.

Hundreds of families lined Colby Avenue on Saturday morning during the city’s annual Colors of Freedom parade.

Pride swept Heather Martin of Mill Creek as she watched her son go by as part of the ROTC float.

“I’m very proud of him,” Martin said with a bright smile. “My son is very patriotic.”

Martin and her younger son Jason, 11, followed the ROTC float down the street and got everybody clapping. The pair had a blast.

It was the first time Martin celebrated Fourth of July in Everett.

“It’s good to be here,” she said.

Watching the parade on Saturday, Martin noticed how the city felt better and safer than just a few years ago.

“It’s nice how they are working to make it family friendly and safe,” she said. “For a little family parade, this is well-done.”

Bands marched on and floats passed by one after another.

A green dragon drifted by, followed by drummers in colorful dresses.

Lefiti Qiolevu enjoyed seeing different cultures of the world represented in the parade. Qiolevu’s twin grandsons peeked out from behind a row of chairs to look out for the next float. Her older granddaughter stood by.

Qiolevu and her family live in Everett but have never attended the parade.

Celebrating independence is a valued tradition in Qiolevu’s life. She is originally from Fiji, a group of islands in the South Pacific. The country is a former British colony.

Qiolevu went to the city’s visitor center to find out about Fourth of July celebrations close to home. She was pleasantly surprised. The parade was well worth it.

“I just love every part of it,” she said.

The parade gathered people from around Snohomish County and beyond. Crystal Nybo, 18, of Woodinville, joined her boyfriend’s family in their traditional Fourth of July outing to Everett.

Nybo had a good time watching the floats go by.

After the parade, Nybo was going to spend the day with family, enjoy a good meal and set off fireworks.

The parade kicked off Fourth of July celebrations throughout the county.

The music and cheers could be heard from several block away.

Fireworks over Port Gardner were viewed Saturday night by cowds along the Everett waterfront.

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.