She was out running when she got the idea, the Monday night before July 4.

It just seemed like a fun thing to do, said Michelle Seay, so she started getting the word out.

She put out flyers and made calls and by Saturday, when the first Pine Harbor Independence Day 5K Run and Kids Bike Parade took place, close to 100 people had gathered for the event.

"It was a great idea and we had a fabulous time," said Pine Harbor resident Norman Wilder.

He, his wife Teri and four children got in on the fun, as did many others in the neighborhood.

Mrs. Seay said there are a number of runners and walkers in the neighborhood, some of them, including herself, running marathons and half marathons or training for them.

With that in mind, she felt there would be interest, and added the Bike Parade, thinking there should be something planned for the children in the neighborhood as well.

"I thought it would be a nice way to start the day, before people got busy with their plans for the day, they could join in or just enjoy looking out the window and seeing it all go by," she said.

Mrs. Seay and fellow runner Hannah Jones carried an American flag to lead the way, with about 40 runners and walkers falling in behind them along View Point Circle in Pine Harbor..

The walk and run started at 8 a.m. and the Kids' Bike Parade, at 9 a.m.

The parade ended up getting creative, with children aboard decorated bikes and scooters, golf carts and wagons, just about anything on wheels.

It's definitely going to become an annual event, Mrs. Seay said, and next year, will include a contest for the children's decorated entries.

Wilder said even though he's not a runner, "that ought to be obvious," he joked, he thoroughly enjoyed the event.

"I just took part in the parade walk," he said.

"I foresee it getting bigger and better," Wilder said.

"I'd like to see everyone do something like this in their neighborhood. It was great fun and a good time."