You can feel yourself overflowing with patriotism. Today, you wake up earlier than you have all summer, find your best American gear and prepare the lawn chairs and blankets, all to make your way to the streets. It's time for your local Fourth of July parade! Arguably one of the most memorable yearly events, everyone can recall their love for the parade from an early age. Here are a few of the best, worst and most relatable parts that everyone recognizes from their local Independence Day parade!

1. You go all out in dressing for the occasion.

It's not enough that you just celebrate like normal, you have to look the part. Whether you choose to look cute or like America's biggest fan, everybody loves bringing out the red, white and blue.

2. You probably haven't woken up this early all summer.

And it's a struggle. But there is so much to look forward to in the day that makes it all worth it. First stop, the parade.

3. As you get older, you realize the stress of snagging the best seats.

4. Even when you're late, it takes FOREVER to start.

HERE COMES A POLICE CAR MAYBE- just kidding.

5. How you feel when the firetrucks drive by at a glacial pace.

Don't get me wrong, it's great seeing all of the trucks from the surrounding area get together, but our eardrums don't agree.

6. As a kid, your favorite part was the candy.

And it was always a battle against the kids next to you to grab the best kinds.

7. The worst part is when you're "too old" for candy.

Since when did adulthood mean we don't like candy or free things? All we can count on these days is stealing candy from our family with the excuse of "I'm dividing it up" or, "This candy is gross." Like candy could be gross.

8. When somebody from your squad is on one of the floats.

HELLO, candy! Knowing somebody on the floats is a surefire way for you to get all the free stuff. Necklaces, candy, those little footballs nobody actually uses but everyone fights over. The kids around you always get jealous.

9. Being on a float isn't as fun as it's cracked up to be.

You may look cool, but you feel more like Katniss and Peeta -- on fire. Yeah, you get to throw candy, but you can't eat any of it, and you're probably walking next to the float instead of riding it! What a bummer.

10. Ranking the floats on creativity, coolness and candy.

Seeing how creative people can be with their floats is a highlight of the parade. Everybody sees the hay-filled floats with a bunch of little kids and flags, but how unique can you get?

11. You love seeing all the old cars, but really hope one of them doesn't break down.

The old cars with funny sounding horns are cool, but not when they break down and you have to push them down the street. As a witness, I can attest to the misfortune.

12. The universal sign of "the parade is about to end."

The acrobatic tricks, the sound of hooves, the smell. When you see the horses coming down the street, you know it's time to pack up and head home.

13. Seeing your entire town together to celebrate is both overwhelming and exciting.

So. Many. People. While you're sure to run into somebody you know, there will be a lot more people you don't. At least you all share your love for America!

14. When you realize it's only 10 a.m. and you have to wait all day for the fireworks.

All dressed up with nowhere to go. Now to wait until sundown!