Tri-State families brave heat for 4th celebrations

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. - The town of Fort Mitchell has been celebrating Independence Day with a parade for more than 25 years.  This year's theme was "Mainstreet USA."  The parade began at Children's Home and ended at Beechwood.  Thousands of Ft. Mitchell families lined the nearly two mile route braving extreme hit and temperatures in the mid 90s. 

Fire stations across Kenton County showed off their engines in honor of the Nations 236 birthday, while local bands, community organizations and businesses participated with walkers and cars decked out with red, white and blue banners.

Folks attending the parade stayed cool along the route by eating ice cream, frozen popsicles and drinking lots of water.  Everyone including this patriotic baby celebrating her first 4th took the extreme heat in stride. 

"I came prepared with lots of water, ice water.  I don't know how long this will last me in this heat. Hopefully they brought plenty to keep hydrated," said Tami Wilson.

She wasn't the only one prepared. Folks pulled out covered lawn chairs and used umbrellas to keep the sun from beating down on top of them. Matthew Elminger says he plays sports and is used to the hot and humid weather. 

"Try to stay in cool areas like here where you have a little shade," Elminger said. "Try to find a breeze and drink lots of water."

In addition to the heat of the day, many Tri-State folks will take in fireworks Wednesday night.  Even after the sunsets, temperatures are forecast to be in the lower 90s with a stifling heat index well into the overnight.