Thousands lined the 3.3 mile route, cheering on participants
The parade route was electric on Independence Day, filled with music, cheers, and chants. From the sidelines, viewers danced along, waved, blew bubbles, and squirted marchers with water guns. This was the City of Alameda’s 47th 4th of July Parade, spanning 3.3 miles along Park Street, Otis Drive, Encinal Avenue, Central Avenue, and Webster Street. The parade is the longest in the nation, attracting thousands of participants and more than 60,000 spectators from around the region.
This year, the event got off to a late start. Meant to begin at 10 a.m., it didn’t actually get moving until around 10:30. With a few gaps in floats along the way, the parade ended around 1 p.m.; KTVU broadcast the event live as part of their ZipTrips feature.
“You’re in for a treat with a parade lineup of 160 entries, including live bands, floats, adorable kids, dance troops, equestrians, local businesses, and community groups!” Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft wrote in the event’s program. “I look forward to seeing your smiles and waves when I ride by on my electric bicycle. As we celebrate our nation’s birthday, we also reflect upon and are grateful for the freedom we enjoy. Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July!”
The Parade Grand Marshal was 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,” the program stated. “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.”
The Honorary Grand Marshal of the event was Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “As she ends a long and distinguished career in public service, Congresswoman Barbara Lee will serve as the Parade’s Honorary Grand Marshal for her last time riding in Alameda’s 4th of July Parade,” the program noted. “Congresswoman Lee has represented Alameda in the United States Congress since 1998, in the California State Senate from 1996 to 1998, and in the State Assembly from 1990 to 1996.”
Local parade attendee Margie estimated she’s been to at least 10 Alameda 4th of July parades since moving here in 2010. “It’s just so charming and cute,” she told the Alameda Post. “We’re between these big cities and yet this [parade] has that small-town feel. I grew up in the Midwest, so it feels like a little Midwest town.”
This year, Margie and her husband tried viewing the parade from Central Avenue, a different vantage point than their usual spot closer to the starting point. “I’ve never been down this far because I live closer to Park Street,” she explained. “So it’s just a different vibe. This has more of a neighborhood feel, which is lovely. The covered trees provide some nice shade and things are more spread out so it’s not so chaotic.”
While Margie always looks forward to seeing the horses, it was the crowd that won her over this year. “I love the crowd today,” she said. “Everyone is just so excited about every float that comes down. You can’t help but have a good time.”
This year’s entries included dance troupes, antique cars, marching bands, equestrians, bicyclists, and floats. The City will hand out awards based on the judges’ choices at a ceremony later this month. While each entry added to the spirit of the day, some standouts included equestrian entities Diablo Roofing and Youlanda Donatello Equestrian Showcase with their beautiful horses, Alameda Theater’s minions and funky band, Trader Joe’s lively under-the-sea theme, and Donut Petit along with Cafe Jolie with their sparkling craftsmanship. The band entries were another highlight of the day, including Tian Guo Marching Band, the Academy of Alameda Parade Band, and Encinal High School Soaring Jets Band.
Also notable was the Alameda Families & Friends for Ceasefire entry, which featured a larger-than-life peace dove made of fabric and carried on sticks. AFF4C members carried signs that read “Ceasefire Now,” “Free Palestine,” and “From the U.S. to Palestine let our children be free.”
This was Oakland resident Robert’s first time attending the Alameda 4th of July Parade. He attended with his wife, daughters, mother-in-law, niece, and nephew.
“This is a beautiful turnout,” he said. “I love the diversity here. Alameda is a nice city. I love it.”
“I liked the kids when they were singing!” chimed in one of his daughters. “And I have a squirt gun!”
That squirt gun could have come in handy during the warm day, which reached a high of 82 degrees. Viewers tended to huddle in shaded areas along the sidewalks. But the energy remained high throughout the entirety of the event. Parade viewers and participants alike seemed happy to have a reason to celebrate.
Kelsey Goeres is a contributing writer for the Alameda Post. Contact her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelsey-Goeres.
