URBANDALE, Iowa—Urbandale, population 46,000, is a slice of Americana nestled against the west side of Des Moines, the capital of Iowa. Despite being part of a metropolitan area of 700,000, Urbandale retains a small-town atmosphere. The city has suburbanized without becoming bougie, lending it a charm reminiscent of earlier days.
That America-then feel combined with what locals proclaim is the largest July 4th parade in the region is perhaps what drew former Vice President Mike Pence to make Urbandale the first stop on a three-day, seven-event swing through the Hawkeye state.
The Urbandale parade is a staple of the region’s social calendar, attended by families for generations. Crowds line the two-mile route with lawn awnings, blankets, and camp chairs, sometimes three or four deep….