Southampton - Southampton's Main Street will be overflowing with exuberance this Fourth of July for the one-and-only Independence Day Parade celebrated from Montauk to Riverhead. For more that 150 years the Village of Southampton has celebrated Independence Day with what some may call "the best parade on Long Island."

The spirit of independence and the start of the summer season merged as weekend visitors filled village streets as early as Thursday afternoon, kicking off the holiday weekend in high gear and ushering in the 2008 summer season with a renewed spirit of optimism despite record gasoline prices and a softening real estate market.

In preparation, Main Street and Jobs Lane were festooned with American flags proudly waving in the breeze outside shops along the village streets. Shopkeepers have decorated store windows with red, white and blue motifs and everywhere lawns are being trimmed to afford prime viewing spots on village front yards.

The annual parade costs an estimated $35,000 that is raised by donations each year.

Parade organizers finalized last minute plans as summer residents hit area food shops to ready pantries for expectant house guests and family members that are still on their way to points east driving along what can seem like an endless Long Island Expressway on the eve of holiday weekends.

Everyone loves a parade, and this year's promises to be memorable.

"We are seeing more interest than ever before in this parade," Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley said proudly. Epley and other village officials hosting the parade will march along the entire route, starting at Railroad Plaza, traveling south along North Main, crossing onto Main Street and down Jobs Lane to the Monument at the base of Agawam Park. Free hot dogs will be available at the Veterans Hall after the parade.

Fourteen marching bands, an assortment of floats, and antique cars will lead a host of over 60 groups expected to participate, including protesters for and against the country's military efforts overseas.

Dr. Michael Avram will serve as Grand Marshal for this year's parade. Avram, a veteran of the Korean War, is a long-time participant in village affairs.

"We are expecting people to march in the parade in protest of the war in Iraq," Mayor Epley said. "And we are also expecting a contingent to march in support of the country's armed forces."

The annual parade costs an estimated $35,000 that is raised by donations each year. The Village has already secured $32,000. Enthusiastic spectators also contribute as the parade marches by. "My kids march," Epley said, "and they also collect money for this parade."

The parade's organizers expect an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 enthusiasts to attend the parade.

William A. Frankenbach predicts this year to be the best in his 45-year tenure as parade organizer. A village resident who grew up watching the parade from the cat bird seat when his father, also named William, commanded the baton, Frankenbach said his personal favorites include the Saffron United Pipe Band from Babylon and the Westchester Brassmen which he described as "fantastic."

"The best high school band in the parade is the Mother Cabrini High School Band from Washington Heights, NY," Frankenbach added. "It's a big band. They're coming in two buses."

The Sag Harbor Community Band will be performing at the reviewing stand. Also representing the home team, the Southampton High School Band will be showcased.

"We expect a big turnout," Mayor Epley added. "The weather is going to be great, people are staying home," and most important of all, people are showing a great deal of pride in the United States."

Make sure to get your seat early. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. Friday morning.