Participants in Ruthton's Independence Day parade tossed candy from a float as the crowd waved. Rainy weather Tuesday morning let up just in time for the parade to take place.

RUTHTON — The rain showers had passed, and people were starting to set up their lawn chairs along the streets in Ruthton Tuesday morning. The route for the annual Independence Day Parade wasn’t quite as crowded as in past years – or at least not yet, spectators said.

“With the rain, I’m sure everyone’s a little slow,” one person said.

“Usually, the streets are just packed,” said Marcy McConnell, one of the Ruthton community members helping organize 4th of July events.

But by the start of the parade, the crowds had filled out more, with plenty of kids waving to the passing floats and vehicles.

Thunderstorms and rain moved across southwest Minnesota on Tuesday, but the weather didn’t stop community 4th of July celebrations. Ruthton went forward with a parade, community burger feed and more. In Marshall, a fireworks display and other celebrations were planned in the evening at Independence Park. Local organizers said the fun would include traditions like a community band concert at the park, as well as something new: a visit from an Elvis impersonator.

Fourth of July celebrations have meaning on a couple of levels for area communities. On one level, the day celebrates American independence. Event organizers in both Marshall and Ruthton said they also hoped that the holiday would be a chance for people to gather together and have a good time.

“I think it’s exciting for our small town,” said Brenda Dagel, one of the Ruthton organizers.

“People come to visit for the Fourth, and to see old friends,” McConnell said. “That’s why I think people look forward to it.”

At first, Tuesday morning’s rainstorms had Ruthton community organizers feeling anxious.

“We all kind of went into panic mode a little bit,” said Sheena St. Aubin. Fortunately, the rain ended before the parade started. And plenty of people were lined up for a hot dog or hamburger lunch in the city park.

It takes months of work to plan for Ruthton’s Independence Day events, McConnell said. And they’re usually well-attended – last year, more than 600 people were served at the community lunch following the parade, St. Aubin said.

“It’s worth it for our town,” McConnell said. “It really brings our community together.”