MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee's Wilson Park Neighborhood has hosted a party July 4 parade for years, but organizers are looking for more people to keep it going for years to come.

Roy Saurez del Real greeted residents in the Wilson Park Neighborhood during the parade.

He said this year, he and a small crew organized the celebration.  

He said it’s a big task.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have a committee really," Saurez del Real said. "We have myself and my vice president, Paulette. She does a fantastic job, and we work well together but we do need our neighbors. We do need a lot of help from businesses, schools and we would really like to turn this into a big production like it used to be.”

One of the main reasons Saurez del Real said he wants to see this celebration grow is because he remembers how important it was for him growing up.

“I know, me personally, that I am involved with this firsthand just because I remember how magical Christmas and the Fourth of July were,” he said. “Any time I can do anything good for others, to keep traditions that kept me feeling that way and looking forward to the Fourth every year, that’s what I want to do.”

As the band passed his house, Jose Hernandez proudly waved his American flag.

He said this is a tradition he is grateful to be a part of.

“I love being an American. It’s our freedom and it’s one of the greatest countries in the world. We are number one in everything, so I’m very proud to be an American," he said. 

Saurez del Real said he hopes more people will get involved in these small July 4 celebrations across the city.

“I think this is a good way to get to know your community," he said. "I think when we feel miles apart, it’s good that we start thinking heart to heart, so I think that’s a good starting point for community events.