Are you excited for Stow's Fourth of July Parade? I sure am ... and not only because I love seeing Stow's residents and we're celebrating America's Independence, but because I am driving a really cool car. 

Local Editor Megan Rozsa from Fairlawn-Bath Patch and I will be cruising down Kent Road with the wind blowing in our hair at the high speed of 2 mph Wednesday when the parade steps off at 10 a.m. 

The Classic Fiat dealership in Mentor (there's a Patch site there) let me drive a Fiat 500 in the parade! And, you can win the car! Click here to enter: www.vr2show.com.

Megan said she's going to do her best Miss America wave while I'm driving.

"The company was founded in 1899 and the Fiat 500 was built after WWII as a form of self-expression to satisfy our insatiable love for each day," said General Manager John Kerwin. 

I have an insatiable love for hot little cars ... so this is a good pairing.

Something else I learned from John is that the company has also manufactured railway engines, carriages, military vehicles, and aircraft over the course of its existence.

Who knew?!

The type of car I will have is in more than 80 countries and has won 60 international awards.

Speaking of international, the Fiat I'm driving has an Italian flag graphic on the roof. 

Now, some of you may be scratching your head and saying, "An Italian flag decal on a car in a Fourth of July parade?"

Here's what I have to say about that — "Hey, we're a melting pot, aren't we?"

And, my heritage can be traced back to the boot ... so, "Fohgettaboutit." 

"The Italian flag and Italian decals symbolize [the company's] heritage," John said. "Anyone interested will be able to apply through one of our sponsors to win that vehicle!"

I'll have some of John's business cards for those who are interested in learning more about the company or the car. Just run up to me and grab one ... or just say hi! 

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in the parade! 

Happy Fourth of July everyone! 

Your local editors,

Manda and Megan