Fourth of July secret
- Huntington Beach Parade
- Sep 17, 2015
- 2 min read
One of the best kept secrets is the Fourth of July celebrations in Huntington Beach. Best kept secret, in that, not many aussie tourists know about it. Let me tell you, it is quintessential America! Brilliant such an experience. There are fireworks off the Pier, a spectacular parade (the largest west of the Mississippi River), an all day festival and lots more. A few years ago we took the kids and my parents to the street parade in Huntington Beach to see the march. What we loved about it was the family atmosphere.
There was a huge walk-a-thon at the beginning of the parade similar to the City to Surf, except participants can ride bikes, walk, wheel or run. Mums, dads, grandparents, dogs all join in - it was so much fun. We could not believe the relaxed nature of the whole parade to us it felt like we had gone back twenty years and had gone to a street party at Christmas time. People had placed seats and sun shelters out on the gutters in front of homes the evening before - we could not help chuckling - thinking boy if you put anything out on the street for even half an hour in Sydney it will disappear - but not here! Felt like the sixties -in Sydney - that’s it! Not that I can remember but my mother was with me and that’s the comment she made. We had purchased bleacher seats a few days before the event from equivalent to the council chambers. We were positioned high and had a wonderful view of the walk-a-thon and the actual parade.
People stood up for servicemen shook their hands, cheered for the council employees, clapped for the police and actually thanked people for serving them. The more cynical of us - Sydney siders that is - would say "only in America" and I agree yes it doesn't happen at home - and its a real shame. Its great to respect positions that serve.
The annual Independence Day Parade is apparently miles long and takes two hours and includes celebrity guests, floats, marching bands, and community organisations. What I also liked was that it appeared local groups, equivalent to the brownies, the RSL clubs, the firemen, the local karate clubs all marched and were celebrated. There was a Lake Park Breakfast at 7:00am - 11:00am the Surf City 5K Run from 7:00am, the 4th of July Parade from10:00am - 12:00pm and the Fireworks Over the Ocean at 9:00pm.
The colours were great! I felt safe, the kids felt safe and it gave a true experience of middle class America! Thousands of people gather for the evening fireworks. We purchased seats on the pier and enjoyed the evening fireworks display. If you get a chance and want to include a wonderful beachside excursion to your trip filled with patriotic spirit, consider visiting the Huntington Fourth of July Parade... it is fabulous!
see:
http://www.hb4thofjuly.org
http://www.surfcityusa.com/events/annual-events-festivals/fireworks/
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