The Beni Kedem Shrine Oriental Band added a fitting taste of grandeur to the Hurricane 4th of July Parade.

City of Hurricane Marketing & Development Director Amanda Ramey expressed concern on June 18 because only twenty-some parties had answered her call to register for the city’s annual 4th of July Parade. Ramey is charged with organizing Hurricane’s Independence Day Celebration.

Her concerns were for naught as last-minute registrations caused entry numbers to surge. Parade participation numbers were 15 to 20 percent greater than in 2024.

Even numbered year parades tend to be larger than odd numbered years because they are election years and are cause for political office seekers to turn up in abundance. Two 2026 candidates made their intentions known by scattering candy for children at this year’s parade.

One feature missing from this year’s parade was horses. There were none. More than making up for the absence of horses was beauty queen pageant winners. Pageant winners turned out en masse.

Parade viewers were treated to the appearance of the Beni Kedem Shrine Oriental Band. It has been many years since the Shrine has been part of Hurricane’s 4th of July.