4th of July Parade is Just Around the Corner

Don’t let the spring weather fool you—Alameda’s annual 4th of July Parade is coming up soon and most of us will either be participating in it or sitting in lawn chairs on the sidewalks enjoying the view with friends and family. This year’s parade will honor the United States’ 250th birthday and Alameda Fire Department’s 150 years of service.

Alameda Post - a fire truck in a parade — Photo by Maurice Ramirez.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon will lead the parade as Honorary Grand Marshal. Congresswoman Simon represents the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, and San Leandro in California’s 12th Congressional District.

Alameda Fire Chief Nick Luby and the men and women of the Alameda Fire Department (AFD) will serve as Grand Marshals. Since its founding in 1876, AFD has protected and saved countless lives and property in Alameda, through both fire suppression and medical and emergency response.

As the longest 4th of July parade in the nation, Alameda’s 4th of July Parade route spans over three miles, features more than 150 entries that include marching bands, dance troops, community organizations, equestrians, floats, adorable kids, and VIPs. Some 60,000 spectators will line the parade route in a massive display of community spirit.

Alameda Post - Alameda Mayor Ashcraft on an electric bicycle. She wears a red, white, and blue sweater and smiles amidst a crowd of parade watchers. — Photo by Maurice Ramirez.

The parade route is also the venue for the Alameda 4th of July Run, a 5K race that benefits Alameda’s Midway Shelter for Women and Children. It starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends before the parade starts. Register now to run or walk the parade route—spectators will cheer you on!—then stay to watch the parade at 10 a.m.

This year’s parade will also be Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft’s last to help lead, as she completes her eighth and final year as mayor. Feel free to wave as she rides by on an electric bike furnished by Alameda Bicycle.

Alameda Post - The parade route — Parade route map by the City of Alameda.

How to participate

Join the parade: It’s open to residents, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups. Just be sure to register online by Monday, June 15, at 5 p.m. It’s free for individuals and nonprofits, or just $50 for local businesses.
Get involved: The parade needs sponsors, volunteers, and drivers with classic and convertible cars to provide rides for VIPs. For more information, email [email protected].
And, of course, watch the parade: Set up your chairs along the parade route and enjoy the celebration!

More to come… and we’ll see you there!