REDWOOD CITY, Calif.-On the morning of July 4th, a crowd of thousands lined the streets of this scenic port city, which has a population of about 75,000. Redwood City is centrally located on the San Francisco Bay peninsula, 25 miles south of San Francisco, and 27 miles north of San Jose. It is a significant player in the hi-tech industry of this region.
This July 4th honored America's 232th birthday, and the founding fathers' principles of freedom and equality. It marked this charter city's 70th annual parade, and is still possibly the largest and most popular 4th of July parade in northern California.
The weather rallied, with the temperature up a notch, a change from the unseasonably chilly weather of late. Skies were blue and air quality was very good, unlike other areas around the state, which were compromised by numerous wildfires that still rage uncontrollably.
This year, the crowd appeared to be much larger, no doubt due to the inflated price of gas, as well as the ever-growing popularity of the parade. Another feature of the times was the deliberately "beefed up" security of local law enforcement, with a national guard presence, as well. The county SWAT team displayed its latest vehicle, equipped with sniper rifle on its hood.
Other military groups participating in the parade included the U.S. Army and paratroopers, the Navy, Marines the Air Force and a special USO truck. Some of the soldiers were mere days away from deployment to Iraq, and were appreciative of the positive morale the crowd provided, with their cheers and shouts of support.
For many parade goers, the parade is a family tradition, often with three generations or more participating, with lots of children, plenty of dogs and beverage coolers in tow. By 7:00 a.m. Friday morning, scores of chairs lined the parade route, some planted from last night, securing choice spots for the parade's projected start at around 10:00 a.m.
Neatly parked on the most scenic streets downtown, including historic Broadway, were about 50 immaculate vintage cars, in mint condition both inside and out, their impeccable shines gleaming brightly in the California sun.
The elegant Fox Theatre, whose restoration began in 1998, is a representative example of this city's dedication to historic preservation.
The parade showcases the best of local civic and community groups. Veterans of previous wars participated, including the Pearl Harbor survivors group. There were many local masons, shriners and rotarians in the parade, who were also war veterans.
Representatives of local, national and state government were also on hand to greet the crowd. In the past, previous governors of the state have also participated.
There were many groups demonstrating agility at various skills, including drill teams, little league baseball, equestrian, gymnastics and various dance forms, including belly-dancing, samba dancing and ethnic dancing from the Americas.
Various spiritual groups were represented, Christian and non-Christian alike. The only group with far-eastern origins, from ancient China, was the exercise-meditation group, Falun Dafa (Falun Gong), which demonstrated its graceful exercises. (Usually the largest group in the parade, this year its sizable band contingent participated in a band exhibition parade in the east bay town of Fremont, California.)
There were many colorful, pretty and whimsical floats, including a tribute-to-beauty float, with Miss California, Miss Alameda County, Miss San Mateo County and Miss Redwood City on board.
Other festivities of the day included a pre-parade 5K+ Run, sponsored by the city's parks and recreation department. A battle-of-the-bands competition was scheduled in the afternoon.
There were also booths on hand, with information, product lines, and food.
The parade was staffed by volunteers who seemed to enjoy what they do, and did it with a professional attitude. Enthusiastic announcers at more than five stations along the route kept the crowd informed of the group venues throughout the mile-plus long parade circuit. The dedication of the staff, including the police force, reflected the community spirit, and makes the annual parade a pleasure to attend.
The full day in Redwood City will concluded in the evening with a traditional fireworks display, in spite of the prevailing controversy over whether to allow them or not, due to the potential fire hazard in California.
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