CORALVILLE, Iowa (KWWL) - Coralville's Annual 4th of July Celebration has returned!

Coralville's 4thFest began in the 1980s as a rather small local parade among nearby neighborhoods.

However, more than 40 years later the festival has grown to become the largest Fourth of July parade in Eastern Iowa.

This year, the festivities are expected to attract thousands of visitors and residents to the area.

The two-day celebration kicked off Wednesday July 3rd at S.T. Morrison Park with several outdoor activities such as a 5k run, and free concerts.

On Thursday July 4th, the community can visit the carnival, watch the parade with more than 100 floats, and of course watch the fireworks.

City officials say they aim to a attract a broader range of festival goers each year.

Today in Iowa's Lilly Cederdahl spoke with Coralville Mayor Meghann Foster, about how the celebration has expanded over the years, as well as the city’s plan for fireworks should it rain.

For a full list of 4thFest events click here.