UPPER ARLINGTON (WCMH)–It is all about finding the perfect spot.

“My dad put these down at 7:30, but we looked and it was in the complete sunlight and I know my mom would not be happy with that one,” said Shannon Von Voigt, while holding several wooden stakes and caution tape. “We’re going to move it somewhere shadier.”

Von Voigt, along with her friend Jillian Reed, were taking part in a decades-old tradition. They were reserving their spot for Upper Arlington’s Fourth of July parade.

“She told me that we have to go set up chairs,” Reed said. “I go ‘the parade’s not for a couple more days.’”

Five days and counting, to be exact, according to the clock on the Upper Arlington Civic Association website.

That is how long Von Voigt, Reed and hundreds of others will lay claim to their locations.

While some parade-goers enclose their spots with rope or tape, others lay folding chairs where they would like to sit.

According to the Upper Arlington Police Department, few issues are reported with the tradition, but officers warn there is little they can do if the chairs or ropes go missing.

“That easement is public property, just like if somebody sets their trash down on the curb, it’s technically abandoned property at that point,” said Sgt. Jason Kulp.

This will mark the 98^th year for the parade.

“It’s a big deal,” said Clark Dupler, who was standing near his three chairs. “It’s a big community event.”What others are clicking on: