PLATTSBURGH -- Organizers of the City of Plattsburgh's Fourth of July parade are still looking for more entrants.

"We've got 37 participants right now and are welcoming more," Mayor Donald Kasprzak said. "We want this to be a successful parade, and we encourage more people to get involved."

The parade starts at 2 p.m. from Wilcox Dock, goes down Cumberland Avenue, across the Smith Weed Bridge, up Cornelia Street and left onto Margaret Street, ending at Broad Street. The theme is "Plattsburgh Proud."

Those wishing to join the parade can contact Kelly Donoghue at 726-0879.

The parade is one of many events scheduled in the city for the holiday. Activities also include a bicycle ride, entertainment at the City Beach and fireworks.

The beach complex will be the center of most events.

Music by local bands Elephant Bear and Angry Neighbors will begin at 4 p.m. on a stage set up near the beach.

The Plattsburgh Elks Lodge will host a Casino Night at the beach, and activities for kids and adults are planned throughout the day.

Four food vendors and a beer tent will also be in operation.

Organizers will be raffling off two round-trip tickets to Orlando, offered by Allegiant Air. The tickets cost $1 each, and the winner of the raffle will be announced after the fireworks.

The City Recreation Department will hold its first-ever Fourth of July Sand-Sculpture Contest at the beach, with registration from 4:30 to 5:40 p.m. at the lifeguard room and the contest from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Awards will be given for the top three sculptures. It's for all ages, with no limits on the number of people on each team.

"We've got a lot of activities planned, and we're hoping for a spectacular day," Kasprzak said.

Normally, entry to the beach complex is free for City and Town of Plattsburgh residents, but this Friday there will be a fee of $5 per vehicle for all visitors.

"It's a special event, and this a small way of helping to recoup the cost," the mayor said.

Entry to the beach will be free for those showing a special Mayor's Cup button, which can be purchased for $10 each at City Hall and several downtown businesses.