Riding on a float at the onset of the Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade, 15-year-old Michaela Koger enjoyed a front-row seat to a Saturday morning event that witnessed scores of residents celebrate her city.

“I feel good to be a part of Akron,” said Koger, a Goodyear Heights resident and member of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council.

The parade, which started around 10 a.m., featured more than 130 neighborhood and civic groups, churches, businesses, marching bands, elected officials, cheerleaders and others who followed a mile-long route through downtown. 

Mark Greer, the executive director of Akron 200, the organization overseeing the bicentennial, called it a celebration of what makes Akron unique.

“And what we’re really proud of is that we have engaged every neighborhood, every community, every sector, and this is a truly intergenerational celebration,” Greer said.

Lavay Duncan, a 14-year-old rising sophomore at Firestone Community Learning Center, plays the alto saxophone as band members warm up for Akron's bicentennial parade
Lavay Duncan, a 14-year-old rising sophomore at Firestone Community Learning Center, plays the alto saxophone as band members warm up for Akron’s bicentennial parade on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Jake Tijerina of the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1768 stands with fellow members as Akron's bicentennial parade gets underway
Jake Tijerina of the Knights of Columbus Assembly 1768 stands with fellow members as Akron’s bicentennial parade gets underway on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Parade participants guide a Statute of Liberty float on South High Street during Akron's bicentennial parade
Parade participants guide a Statue of Liberty float on South High Street during Akron’s bicentennial parade on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
East Akron resident Natalie Grier holds her 8-month-old granddaughter, Dream Graham, while watching the city's bicentennial parade
East Akron resident Natalie Grier holds her 8-month-old granddaughter, Dream Graham, while watching the city’s bicentennial parade. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
With a Goodyear blimp flying overhead, Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade participants make their way down South High Street
With a Goodyear blimp flying overhead, Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade participants make their way down South High Street on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, walking with wife Alice, waves to parade-goers in downtown Akron during the city's bicentennial celebration
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, walking with wife Alice, waves to parade-goers in downtown Akron during the city’s bicentennial celebration on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Kalpana Songmee with the Kirat Community Organization of Akron, holds an American flag while walking in the city's bicentennial parade
Kalpana Songmee with the Kirat Community Organization of Akron, holds an American flag while walking in the city’s bicentennial parade on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Akron firefighter/paramedic Andrew Fuller sings the national anthem during the Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade
Akron firefighter/paramedic Andrew Fuller sings the National Anthem during the Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Matthew Roberts of East Akron dances with Akron’s Second Line Procession
Matthew Roberts of East Akron dances with Akron’s Second Line Procession during the city’s bicentennial parade. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Three-year-old Gabby Griggs holds a piece of candy tossed to her
Three-year-old Gabby Griggs holds a piece of candy tossed to her during the Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade on Saturday, July 5. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
Various community organizations, school groups, businesses and others filled downtown Akron on Saturday, July 5, for the city’s bicentennial parade. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)