Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.―"United We Stand" was the theme for this year's 104th Annual Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade.

Over 250 entries participated this year including marching bands, equestrian and community groups, floats, and military troops.

This is one of the largest Independence Day parades west of the Mississippi.

Falun Dafa practitioners composed one of the larger parade entries with over 70 participants. (The Epoch Times)

By 10 a.m. over 100 thousand spectators lined the route, at some places seven people deep, from Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street to Gothard Street four miles east.

Sam Bahr, a middle-aged resident of Huntington Beach, has come to the parade since he was a child. "I think my favorite [group] so far was the Pearl Harbor Veterans. It gets smaller and smaller every year as they get older. Years ago there'd be 100 to 200 people, but now you've got 20 or 30 people."

Another popular group that was receiving more of a vivacious response from the crowd was a local band playing classic surf tunes．

Falun Dafa's Fifth Year to March in Parade

It was the fifth year Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) practitioners, the only Chinese group, participated in the parade and spectators continue to enjoy their bright colors and float. Carrie Priddy came from Santa Ana to watch the parade. She was attracted to the Falun Dafa float, and she wanted to take a picture with the waist drummers. "I'm very touched by the performers. It's a perfect mix of Chinese traditional art and American spirit and has so much energy. It makes me want to understand ancient Chinese culture."

Falun Dafa practitioners demonstrate exercises on their float entry. (The Epoch Times)

Some people along the parade route wore t-shirts with the "United We Stand" theme for this year. Many locals moved their chairs from their homes to their front yards or even to the sidewalk so they could watch the parade in style.

Congressman Rohrabacher and Celebrities in Attendance

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-46) attended the parade, as did Lisa Tucker (2007 Top Ten Finalist for American Idol), actress Jennette McCurdy, and KABC 790 talk show host Larry Elder.

Parachutists like this one entertained the crowds by swooping down the streets with perfect landings. (The Epoch Times)

Pearl Harbor survivors are always a respected crowd favorite. (The Epoch Times)

Young and old vaqueros demonstrate their skills with lassos. (The Epoch Times)

Falun Dafa's colorful waist drummers. (The Epoch Times)

Falun Dafa's Sword Dance entry. (The Epoch Times)