Peachtree City's annual Fourth of July parade was definitely shorter than in years past, thanks to the Recreation Department limiting the number of entries to 160.

The parade took just over an hour and a half, compared to well over two-and-a-half hours in previous years. Each entry was also allowed only one vehicle or a maximum of two golf carts this year.

Some float riders did their share to keep the crowd cool, lashing out with high-powered waterguns. Some members of the crowd fought back with their own arsenal of waterguns.

One gentleman in the crowd attempted to soak Maj. Mike DuPree of the Peachtree City Police Department, who was in the lead vehicle of the parade. The blast shot clear through both windows and hit an innocent bystander on the other side of the road. No charges were filed against the shooter. He apologized to the bystander, who was happy to get a little relief from the heat.

Some floats gave out bottled water to help cool off parade-watchers.

This year's parade was also messier, said Sherry McHugh, recreation administrator for the Peachtree City Recreation Department. “It was a little harder to clean up because some floats threw taffy and caramel and it started melting on the ground,” she said. “Then the trucks ran over it, too.”

McHugh said the department received raves over the fireworks show, with some residents calling it the best they've seen in Peachtree City for eight or nine years.

The fireworks display included several bursts that formed stars and planets.

The department also received compliments from the concert from the Peachtree Wind Ensemble. One of the more popular selections with the crowd was the Mickey Mouse March, which set toes a-tapping and kids marching in place.

At the fire department's equipment exposition, the fire engine was a big hit with the children who took the driver's seat.

The winners in the parade float contest will be presented with their trophies at a future council meeting, McHugh said.

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