Southampton - During the East End's long and harsh winter it was hard to imagine Fourth of July weekend, or digging your toes deep into the sand once again. However this past weekend marked the annual Southampton Fourth of July parade which ran from the train station to the entrance of Agawam Park.

Parade go-ers flock to the cannons. (Christopher Beninati)

Southampton was covered in red, white and blue as parade goers, locals and visitors enjoyed the festivities under the sun. As the floats passed, music played and American flags waved - there was an extreme sense of patriotism in the air. The parade's Grand Marshals were two Tuskegee Airmen who served during World War II, Roscoe Brown and Lee Hayes.

Behind the veterans leading the parade were numerous floats and bands including the Knights of Columbus of Southampton, The Lou Saxon Band, the Southampton Rose Society, Southampton Elks Club, local politicians including Mayor Mark Epley, Southampton Youth Services, and a variety of marching bands from local towns and even New York City.

The bustling town was filled with smiles and cheers as the floats passed by and the music played. The Fourth of July parade is a tradition that is held by many families to generation to generation. "I have been coming to this parade since I can remember and I can't wait to one day bring my own children here" said Melissa Stone of Hampton Bays.

To many people this holiday parade is the official kickoff of the summer season. "My family and I officially call this our first day of summer, after the parade we go straight to the beach and life just feels right" said Jason Nill of Boston, MA. The Southampton native goes back to his childhood every time he watches the parade.

The ceremonies ended in front of Agawam Park at the judges table as the Sag Harbor Community Band played the final songs to conclude another successful parade in Southampton.