For the third year in a row, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) from the Central District region will be at the Royal Palm Park for the July 4th celebration to collect torn and warn out American flags ready for a retirement.

The Royal Palm Neighborhood 4th of July Festival & Parade, now in its 43rd year, will take place 7-9 a.m. Wednesday, July 4 at Royal Palm Park, 8405 N. 15th Ave. This family-friendly event takes place early in the day to beat the heat. There will be vendors, food trucks, children’s activities and more. Admission is free. No glass containers allowed in city parks.

A covered table will be provided for the flag collection station area, which will be manned by packs and troops from the Central District region. The parade will start at 8 a.m. and travel around the neighborhood park area.

BSA is one of the last groups that has the duty and proper training to present, and to retire, the American symbol. This event will be considered the “kick-off” for the Central District’s civic service projects.

The flags collected on July 4 will be retired in a special ceremony on Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day. For more information, contact Roger Ottaway, Activities & Civic Service chair, BSA Central District, at 602-930-8327 or rloottaway@aol.com.