Michigan's longest-running Fourth of July parade celebrated nearly 100 years in Ypsilanti on this Independence Day.

Watch Evan Sery's full report in the video player below Michigan's longest-running Fourth of July parade celebrates nearly 100 years in Ypsilanti

The unmistakable sounds of Fourth of July celebrations echoed through Ypsilanti as the state's longest-running Independence Day parade made its way down Cross Street.

"It's exciting. The whole city turns out," said Lynne, a parade watcher.

For some residents like Miquel Powell, the parade is a lifelong tradition.

"Been coming here forever, ever since I was a child," Powell said.

Others, like the Commazi siblings, are just learning about the holiday's significance.

"A letter like the Declaration of Independence," one of the Commazi siblings said.

Their grandparents explained the historical importance of the day: "Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Ben Franklin all gathered and wrote a letter," said 9-year-old Joe Commazi.

The parade featured 100-year-old World War II Rosie the Riveter Delphine Klaput as the honorary parade marshal, receiving well-deserved recognition from the community.

"It's heartwarming, very heartwarming. I just feel so blessed," Klaput said.

When asked what the Fourth means to her, Klaput reflected on her family's military service.

"Just a big day, cause you know I come from a family of veterans, my dad, my uncles. It's tremendous deal for me, just tremendous," she said.

Arthur Thomas, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office outreach specialist, served as the unofficial parade host, engaging with the crowd throughout the event.

"What we do is try to engage everyone with some things to pass out to make the parade a little bit better for 'em," Thomas said.

Web Extras: Full interviews with Lynne and the Commazzi siblings Web Extra: Lynn enjoys Independence Day parade in Ypsilanti Web Extra: Commazzi siblings enjoy Ypsilanti Independence Day paradeThis story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Health officials are urging families to take preventative measures after West Nile virus was detected in a small sample of mosquitoes in Macomb County, though no human cases have been reported.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Families warned to take mosquito precautions amid West Nile detection

The recent detection comes as rising temperatures have led to an increase in the mosquito population throughout the area.

"Most people that get affected are asymptomatic and might not even know they're infected; some people might get serious outcomes like encephalitis," said Joe Eisenberg, University of Michigan Professor of Epidemiology.

Julie Grey-Czerny, owner of Mosquito Joe in Harrison Township, has seen a surge in service calls in recent days.

"The cooler temperatures we had in the spring, everything's been kinda pushed back," Grey-Czerny said.

With the recent heat wave, conditions have changed dramatically.

"High high temperatures, so now we're starting to see an increase in the mosquito population," Grey-Czerny said.

The pest control service has been busy fielding calls and treating properties throughout the county.

"It does take a couple treatments, but you'll see a huge decrease in the adult mosquito population after the first treatment on the property," Grey-Czerny said.

County health officials recommend using insect repellent containing DEET and limiting outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. They also advise residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The risk of developing symptoms after a mosquito bite increases for certain vulnerable populations.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Getting mosquitoes to bug off Ask Dr. Nandi: Getting mosquitoes to bug off

"If you're more in a sensitive population, that could be elderly or having co-morbidity, that could be the time to be in an air-conditioned house, where that's actually proven to be the most effective way to protect yourself," Eisenberg said.

Symptoms of West Nile virus can include headache and fever, while more serious cases may develop a stiff neck, muscle weakness, and paralysis.

"They're more than just a pest. It's important for people to realize the seasonality of these diseases in the US, like West Nile Virus, and that's the time you want to pay more attention to protecting yourself," Eisenberg said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.