What a difference a year makes for Fourth of July festivities in Napa.

Last year’s parade lasted about 10 minutes, but on Saturday afternoon Napans were treated to an hour-long patriotic procession that started on Third Street and headed downtown to Main Street and back filled with people, horses, floats and vehicles. Parade sponsor Napa Sunrise Rotary bestowed it with a theme of Let Freedom Ring that welcomed the participants to be one of the 59 floats that comprised the event.

About two weeks ago, Patrick William’s 1970 Ford Bronco was just an ordinary ride but on Saturday the Bronco turned into the Ford of July — painted bumper to bumper to resemble an American Flag.

Williams used his Ford of July to haul one of the parade’s more colorful entries  — Napa Valley TV’s float that featured Williams’ band Lee Harvey and the Second Shooters performing a rock version of “American Woman.” Williams is the host of “Pappy Hour” on Napa Valley TV Channels 27 and 28, and said he decided to paint his Bronco like a flag to show his patriotic side. Williams also painted his body silver and dressed up to resemble the Statue of Liberty as he played the drums atop the float.

Fernanda Coronado, 9, practiced her elbow strikes with her father, Sergio, before taking to the streets with her fellow taekwondo students from Red Dragon Tae Kwon Do. Coronado said she had never marched in a Napa parade and said she was a little “nervous.” Red Dragon students marched on Third Street demonstrating their forms and breaking boards with powerful kicks and punches.

Dressed in an authentic World Word II-era Army uniform, Napa resident Charles Bertagna drove a 1942  Willys MV-Slatgrill Jeep fitted with a .30 caliber Browning machine gun. Bertagna, who acquired the vehicle stock from a neighbor and restored it to military authenticity, usually drives the Jeep in parades in Calistoga and Cloverdale, he said.

When Bertagna’s group, Military Vehicles Collectors of California, heard about Napa’s event, they mobilized and shared their vehicles with spectators on Third Street.

“The kids love the guns,” Bertagna said with a smile. “The only thing that is non-authentic (on the Jeep) is the wheels.”

First Christian School’s colorful float decorated in red, white and blue colors, garnered Napa Sunrise Rotary’s President’s Trophy and Top Float honors Saturday, giving the school bragging rights as well as a $100 cash prize.

“We are very excited,” said Julie Polson, an art teacher at the school. “It’s a great opportunity to let the community know about our school.”

Napa Valley Horseman’s Association, a Wells Fargo stagecoach and Vaqueros de Carneros’ prancing horses provide an equestrian twist to the parade this year, sparking cries of “I want to ride that,” among the many children in attendance.

“(I am) so proud of Napa, people marched, people watched,” said Doris Gentry, event coordinator at the end of the event.

Gentry and parade co-host Mark Lesti said that they hope to make this year’s parade an inaugural event that will occur in Napa for many years to come.

The parade kicked off Fourth of July festivities in Napa and wrapped up at noon, but the fun continued with music, food and an evening fireworks show.