Alameda’s July Fourth parade is nation’s longest, spanning more than 3 miles and attracting more than 150 entries with 2,000 participants. Here are a few tips to enjoy all the floats, VIPs, equestrians, dance troops, community groups and marching bands as they parade on by.
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There are no bad seats! While many people will place chairs out in the days and hours before the parade, the parade travels more than 3 miles, so you’re sure to find a good seat, whether on Park Street, Webster Street or somewhere in between.
Check out the lineup at alamedaca.gov/parade. You’ll see old favorites, like the Coast Guard, Donut Petit and Equestrians, along with new entries this year.
Judges will be on hand to offer awards in eight categories, including Community/Neighborhood, Equestrian, Green Power, Live Music, Movement, Nonprofit, Business and the coveted Mayor’s Trophy. Show your support and share your favorites and accompanying emojis on social media!
The city of Alameda is honored to announce that, as U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, ends a long and distinguished career in public service, she will serve as the parade’s honorary grand marshal for her last time riding in Alameda’s July Fourth parade. Lee has represented Alameda in the U.S. Congress since 1998, in the California state Senate from 1996 to 1998, and in the state Assembly from 1990 to 1996. Let’s bid her a fond farewell!
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft has named Vietnam War veteran Joe LoParo this year’s parade grand marshal. LoParo served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a crew member on a helicopter squad in Vietnam that helped evacuate 10,000 individuals. After returning to America, he was stationed at Naval Air Station Alameda and decided to make the Island his home.
Today, LoParo is a local real estate broker and member of the Alameda County Veteran Affairs Commission, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 400, American Legion Post 647, Alameda Naval Air Museum, Elks Lodge #1015, and Mastick Senior Center. He organizes Alameda’s annual Memorial Day ceremony and advocates tirelessly for veterans and active-duty service members. Joe, today we salute you!
Run or walk the parade route an hour before the parade kicks off. The parade route provides a perfect venue for Alameda’s July Fourth R.A.C.E, a 5K run that benefits Alameda’s Midway Shelter for Women and Children. Register to run or walk the parade route at 9 a.m., then watch the parade start at 10 a.m.! If you’re not participating, be sure to cheer on the runners, walkers, stroller pushers, etc. as they pass by.
Double the fun after the parade! Bring your fam, bestie or bae to South Shore Center’s free July Fourth Family Festival from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Center Court featuring a live performance by the Sun Kings!
Face painting, fun activities and free patriotic sunglasses await the little ones, while adults can enjoy beer and wine. Proceeds will benefit the Alameda Education Foundation.
The July Fourth parade is a highlight of the year, and putting it all together takes a village led by Pat Russi and the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department. We appreciate you Pat, along with staff from Alameda Municipal Power and the city’s Police, Public Works, Fire and Transportation departments.
Last but not least, a shout-out to our sponsors! We could not float on without you, Alameda County Industries, Friends of the Parks, Kiwanis Club of Alameda, Alameda Municipal Power, West Alameda Business Association, Bay Ship & Yacht, Jim’s Coffee Shop, the Epoch Times, Big Brothers Plumbing Inc., Alameda Tiny Homes, Alameda Alliance for Health and U.S. Coast Guard Base Alameda. We can’t wait to celebrate Independence Day with you in Alameda!
Sarah Henry is a public information officer for the city of Alameda. She can be reached at 510-747-4714 or shenry@alamedaca.gov.