By Christina Myles

Flags are flying high in shop windows as stores in downtown Troy show their support and appreciation for the Fourth of July.

“It is an honor to decorate our store for the 4th,” said Ann Heart of Troy Antiques. “We do it in remembrance of the veterans and because this is such a great country.”

Other businesses that decorated for the holiday, such as The Pink Parlor, say patriotic displays have helped spark an interest in the abundance of red, white and blue items available this time of year. A clerk at the store said inventory sold out as quickly as it was received, in part because of the displays and in part because of a big demand this year for patriotic-themed clothing and accessories.

Candace Murphy at Cotton Creek echoed the comments. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in the sale of our patriotic-themed items since we put up the display,” Murphy said. She said the store has received positive feedback from the holiday display, which was crafted by Kristy Drinkwater.

Murphy said one reason the store likes to celebrate the holiday is because a lot of the products it sells are from American or Southern companies.

“We love to show support for our country because that is what our store is somewhat known for, and we are proud to support the idea of Independence Day,” Murphy said.