Lansing - A dog decked out like Uncle Sam trotted forward.
Habibi dancers twirled their colorful Middle Eastern dresses.
Members of Lansing Morley S. Oates Veterans for Foreign Wars marched with American flags held high.
Streets typically awash with state lawmakers, downtown Lansing was transformed into a testament to the country's birth during the city's Fourth of July parade Wednesday.
With the Capitol as the backdrop, an estimated 5,000 people braved rainy skies to watch more than 60 groups march, dance and cruise through Lansing streets in honor of the nation's 231st birthday.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero said Independence Day is important because it's an occasion when people set aside their differences and come together to celebrate the nation and local community.
"Especially at a time like this, when our country is divided politically and over the war, it's great to see people wave the flag," he said. "It's a day to be patriotic."
Janette Price watched a group of suped-up Grand Prixs from the Michigan Grand Prix Club cruise down the street while her three grandchildren yelled and waved miniature American flags.
"I just wish more people were out here," the Eaton Rapids resident said.
What does the Fourth of July mean to Price?
"Freedom - and all the people who have given their lives for our country and still are giving their lives for our country," she said.
Dressed in traditional Mexican clothing, members of the Mexican folklore dancing group, Fantasia, waved to the crowd from atop a float covered in Mexican, U.S. and Michigan flags.
"The U.S. is home to a diversified culture," group member Raul Aguilar said. "We're all part of America."
Joe Rabideau, a pastor at Bikers' Church, 1284 N. Cedar St. in Mason, revved his way through the parade on his motorcycle.
"What's more independent than biking on Independence Day?" Rabideau said.
"Bikers are a very patriotic group. They are looked upon as outcasts, but they are one of the most patriotic groups."
Survival is the word that comes to Rabideau's mind when he thinks about the Fourth of July.
"We're survivors," he said.
Jamming out atop a float, Systole 5-1-7 provided a mobile soundtrack for parade-goers.
Bandmember Jawone Baker described the band's upbeat music as the rhythm and pulse of Lansing.
"We just really go back to the roots of music that people can identify with," he said.
Baker said music fits hand in hand with the Fourth of July.
"The freedom of music - it's a universal language, it's a universal expression," Baker said. "That's what we try to convey with our music."
Bands like Systole 5-1-7 were one of the highlights for Chris Belous. Spending time with friends and family is what Belous enjoys about the nation's birthday.
"That's what it's really about for me, hanging out with family and friends, seeing some people that are fun and just enjoying the day," he said.
