Photos: Baby Parade, Concert, Chalk Art Contest Kick Off Fourth of July Festivities

The countdown to Huntington Woods' 40th annual began Tuesday evening with a Baby Parade, Concert in the Park and Chalk Art Contest at .

Mary Robertson, aka “Miss Mary” from the Kindermusik program, led  residents ages 9 to 24 months in song during the Baby Parade contest, in which every child won a prize. Participants Nathaniel Sachs and Alexis Rosenbaum were chosen to ride in this year's Fourth of July parade convertible.

"It's very hard," judge Mel Natinsky said. "I can see it's like a one-time job because they're all so cute and sweet."

As the kids played, Detroit jazz-swing band Real Deal set up on stage to play the season's second Concert in the Park starting at 7:15 p.m. But, if you missed Tuesday's performance, don't fret. There are several more concerts this summer at Scotia Park, including:

• 7:30 p.m. Monday: Sun Messengers, R&B
• 7:15 p.m. July 12: The Hogans, rock
• 7:15 p.m. July 19: Red Sea Pedestrians, world roots
• 7:15 p.m. July 26: Annabelle Road, country pop

The Chalk Art Contest, sponsored by in Royal Oak, also was under way Tuesday evening on the pavement surrounding Scotia Park. Each artist replicated a drawing depicting the theme Peace & Love using sidewalk chalk. Rec Center supervisor Colette Nutton said the winners included:

• Overall: Erin Desmond
• Middle and high school:
• Entering third through fifth grades: Eleanor Dunkel
• Entering second grade and younger: Harper Sollish

The swim team, the Hurricanes, sold refreshments during the festivities.

will be held at approximately 10:05 p.m. Monday over .

Contact Brian Bell at 248-548-8837 for more information about tickets for the Huntington Woods Men's Club's Fireworks Raffle to raise money for the annual event.