St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  Thousands are expected to celebrate the Independence Day weekend in Forest Park.

Fair St. Louis will kick off Saturday and run through July 4th.  The festivities will get underway with the 134th annual VP Parade.

This year’s parade will return to downtown St. Louis. It will step off at 7th and Market streets at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

St. Louis City leaders say security will be stepped up at both venues and with MetroLink.

More information about Fair St. Louis and the VP Parade is available online at www.fairsaintlouis.org.