Today is the deadline to enter the 2012 Santa Clarita Fourth of July Parade, a Santa Clarita Valley tradition since the 1930s.

Churches, businesses, equestrians, individuals and organizations have been stepping out the morning of July 4 in downtown Newhall for decades, celebrating Independence Day from early morning — with a traditional pancake breakfast followed by the parade — until after dark, when fireworks culminate the celebration.

The parade theme this year is a celebration of volunteers, and the big event starts at 9 a.m. on Main Street in front of William S. Hart Park.

To enter, visit scvparade.com and follow the parade entry directions on the left of the page.