***Paid Content from the City of Alameda***
For the 47th time residents and their families, local businesses and civic leaders, and other organizations will participate in the City of Alameda’s 4th of July Parade. The parade will follow a 3.3-mile route along Park Street, Otis Drive, Encinal Avenue, Central Avenue, and Webster Street. Alameda’s 4th of July Parade is the longest in the nation, attracting thousands of participants and over 60,000 spectators from the region.
Almost 160 entries will be featured in this year’s Parade, including a full spectrum of Bay Area residents, including equestrians (yes, they’re back this year), dance troops, floats, antique cars, community groups, transported and marching bands from both the community and local schools, and people of all shapes and sizes.
This year’s Parade Grand Marshal is Vietnam War Veteran, Joe LoParo. Joe served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War as a helicopter squad crew member who helped evacuate 10,000 individuals. Returning to America, Joe was stationed at the Alameda Naval Air Station and decided to make Alameda his home. Today, Joe is a local real estate broker, prolific volunteer, and tireless advocate for veterans. Joe, today we salute you!
Download this year’s Parade Program for the list and order of entries. [PDF]
The parade starts at 10 a.m. but viewing spaces along the route fill up quickly. Be prepared to show off your patriotic colors and line the streets along the Parade route. KTVU Channel 2 will be broadcasting this year’s parade as part of their ZipTrips feature, too.
Road closures will be in effect for the parade. All vehicles must be removed from the parade and staging routes by 4:00 a.m. Thursday morning. Total road closures will begin at 7:00 a.m., with some streets near the staging area on Lincoln Avenue closing at 6:00 a.m. Vehicles parked along the route after 4:00 a.m. July 4th will be towed. If you have questions or concerns the day of the event that need to be addressed, please check the City’s website or call 510-337-8340.
Remember it’s going to be a hot day, so make sure you dress accordingly, wear lots of sunblock, and bring water or sports drinks to stay hydrated.
The City would like to thank parade sponsors:
- Red Sponsorship Level: Alameda Municipal Power, US Coast Guard Base Alameda.
- White Sponsorship Level: Alameda County Industries, Bay Ship and Yacht, Alameda Alliance for Health, Alameda Tiny Homes, West Alameda Business Association.
- Blue Sponsorship Level: Friends of the Parks Foundation, Big Brothers Plumbing Inc., Alameda Kiwanis, Jim’s Coffee Shop, The Epoch Times.