Runners line up for the start of the Fourth of July race in Canfield.

CANFIELD — The annual Canfield Fourth of July festivities are designed to get people moving — and not just those participating in the parade.

The Firecracker Kids Race began promptly at 8:15 a.m. with participants starting on South Broad Street in front of Farmers National Bank and running the perimeter of the Village Green. Despite their young age, Cortland residents William Kifer, 8, and his brother Cameron, 7, were running for the third time.

“It’s fun, and I like to run,” William said. Cameron added, “I like the exercise.”

Their father, Kevin, who brought them, also was celebrating his birthday. He said he doesn’t mind sharing a birthday with the country as “it’s easier to get the family together.”

Immediately following was the 4-mile run. Ron Voitus, 74, of Columbiana has been in all of them for the past 50 years.

“I don’t run like I used to. I just go through the motions for the health of it,” he said.

But he said he has fun being around all the people in a joyful environment.

Although Mineral Ridge residents Ryan and A.J. Evans are just 13 and 9, respectively, they decided to run with their father Mike in the 4-mile event. Ryan runs cross country for his school and said he likes “how I can motivate others and push myself to do it.”

Also participating were three generations, including Poland resident Bob Mastriana, son Byron and daughter-in-law Cassie visiting from Doylestown, Pa., along with their sons, Barron and Garrett, ages 8 and 7. Five-year-old Ellison preferred to watch.

While the Canfield Community Concert Band entertained people on the Green, the parade entrants gathered at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Janice Jarvis is the vice president and longest-serving member of the Junior Women’s League of Canfield. She organized the bicycle parade, which traditionally leads the entire parade down state Route 46. Nine children decorated their bikes in patriotic colors.

Awards were presented to the best decorated bikes. The winners in the 5-7 age group were Azalea Chagnot, 5, of Youngstown, Everleigh Jones, 5, of Canfield, and Nico Amato, 6, of Canfield. In the 8-10 age group the winner was Mackenzie Christy, 10, of Canfield.

Following the bicycles were the color guard, as well as the Canfield High School marching band, fire trucks, antique cars and floats carrying scouts, politicians and service organizations, including the Canfield Rotary Club.

Sam Boak of the Rotary Club said he has been in the procession since he was 9. He said he loves to “hear the shouting of the people from the street and the friends who reach out to say hi.”

Don Kutsko has been watching the parade from his house for about 40 years, stating that he appreciates the sense of community as well as the people who come from surrounding areas.

Canfield resident Gus Lolakis unfolded a chair on the sidewalk. He said, “I like seeing the kids out with the family enjoying the day.”

Following the parade was a performance by the Backbeat Band, as well as an awards presentation and children’s games on the North Green.