News File Photo Paradegoers honor the American Flag at the 2019 Alpena Fourth of July parade in this News file photo.

ALPENA — After a year’s hiatus, Alpena’s annual Fourth of July parade will once again delight locals after a local business committed to host the event for the next five years.

Officials at H.P.C. Credit Union took over parade organization after a previous organizer couldn’t continue the responsibility. The 2020 parade was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event is important to many in the community and a loved tradition, according to Ellie Kindt, marketing coordinator and event planner for H.P.C. Credit Union. Thirteen volunteers from the business have agreed to help plan the parade, though more are welcome, Kindt said.

“We just want to bring people together,” she said.

Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce representatives will collaborate with the credit union to plan this year’s parade, after which the business will take full responsibility for the event for at least the next four years, according to Chamber President Adam Poll.

Because Independence Day falls on a Sunday, the parade will begin at 1 p.m. to give attendees time to attend church, according to Poll. A slightly revised parade route will begin at Besser Co. and proceed down Johnson Street, crossing Thunder Bay River at 9th Avenue before resuming its traditional route down Chisholm Street and across the 2nd Avenue bridge.

Those attending and participating in the parade should take whatever safety precautions they deem necessary, but no coronavirus-related restrictions will be necessary because of the state’s lifted sanctions, Poll said.

“We can have a very safe — and very normal — event,” Poll said. “And I love the fact that I can say that.”

The parade’s theme — “All things 4th of July” — is intentionally simple, recognizing the community’s appreciation of simply getting back to celebrations and community events, Poll said.