Tokalon Park last Friday looked like the aftermath of an explosion at an animation celluloid factory.

Garfield prowled the grounds in search of lasagna while Spider-Man spun his figurative webs and Betty came Boop-ing along right after Cookie Monster.

Of course, Lady Liberty was on hand because, after all, this was the Lakewood Fourth of July Parade - this year's theme, "Lakewood's Favorite Cartoons," accounting for all the figures from the lands of animation.

Al See, one of the parade organizers and unofficial "Mayor of Lakewood" dressed as Uncle Sam, which still confuses us — really, is it Mayor Sam or Uncle Lakewood or Mayor Uncle? — said the parade participants and crowd turned out to be the biggest he's seen.

"This is what it's all about," he said. "Neighbors greeting neighbors, taking the day off and celebrating the country."