A parade in Hampshire county will change dramatically next year. Protestors and politics will be added to the 4th of July parade in Amherst.

It's a Arena family tradition. Each 4th, the Westborough family drives an hour and a half to Amherst to see the parade.

"It's about having fun, hanging out with family and friends, and having a good time on the 4th of July," says son Thomas Arena.

"This is the best parade there is, it has the New England flair, the trucks, the candy, the spirit of America," says dad Steve Arena.

The "spirit of America" will be racheted up next year. Consider it freedom of speech to the max. Controversial signs and protests will be allowed during the annual town parade.

"As long as they're not disrespectful of what the 4th of July is, I don't see an issue with that, but if they're disrespectful of our peace, our freedom, our veterans, I'll have a problem with that," Arena says.

"Is this an appropriate time and place to deal with this message," CBS 3 Springfield asked one protestor. He responded saying, "The truth about a high crime is always appropriate."

It's going to be controversial, but some say, that's what living in American is all about.

"The history of our country was not founded on polite, appropriate, well-trained sheep," says protestor Terry Carter.

Regardless of the message, the Arenas' won't back down. In fact, they plan on celebrating our independence in Amherst next year, weather permitting.

"If it's pouring out, maybe, but not the protestors," Arenas says.

This last parade didn't end quietly. Some protests and signs were held in opposition to the war among other things, but police say no arrests were made.