GRAFTON, Mass. - Grafton's Fourth of July Parade Committee chair Justin Stone and other volunteers spent Sunday morning planting flags around the town common in preparation of their Independence Day parade this week.

"When Bob and I, one of our planning committee members, started planning this a couple of years ago, we really thought it was going to be a small Grafton parade," said Stone. "But over the last couple of years, it's really grown. We have a lot of people who are interested in coming out and enjoying the parade."

Thursday will mark the third year of the annual parade.

Stone said the tradition has been great for the town's economy.

"We have a lot of people that come in and check out places like the Uncommon Cow," he said. "That's on the common and sells ice cream and coffee and things like that. So really, it's been big for the town itself, not only bringing people out, but with helping small business around here."

The event will feature many local groups and small businesses, as well as the Grafton Fire and Police departments.

Stone said the annual parade is about bringing the Worcester County community together to celebrate Independence Day.

"But I think my favorite is we get Grafton Football and Youth Cheer teams," he said. "We have Beatz Dance Studio that's also going to be in it, and we'll have the kids walk and do different cheer and dance routines as they're marching in the parade. So it's great just to see the kids out, to see all the local businesses coming out to support us and overall, just to spend it with our town residents."

The parade is set to start at 10 a.m. Thursday at North Street Elementary School.

It will end at the town's Congregational Church. 

Stone urges anyone attending to stay off the street during the parade for their own safety.