4th of July Parade Was Great!

More Than 100,000 Passionate Patriotic Parade People Celebrate the Fourth in HB

Held every July 4, 10 a.m.

by Chris MacDonald
Writer/Photographer, HB Ambassador/The Local News Columnist

The 108th annual Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade drew more than 100,000 happy and patriotic, flag waving people, who had the time of their lives "cheering on" the floats, bands, military marchers and others in the largest event of its kind west of the Mississippi River. "I've never seen anything this huge and it really makes me proud to be an American," said Harvey Marks of Selma, Alabama, who was vacationing in HB with his wife and two sons. Spectator Bill Stanley, a World War II infantry veteran, said it's important for people to forget their problems "and come together to honor our country. The parade helps do just that. It shows what a city (and a country) is made up of--people from all walks of life, from all beliefs and backgrounds--that's what makes America great."

The bands, the music, the gleeful shouts of onlookers, the creative, colorful floats, the miles of smiles make the parade worthwhile and memorable to everyone who sees it. I don't think I've ever seen more happiness and more people at the parade as I was honored again to co-hold The International Surfing Museum Banner with my dad. We had so much fun walking amidst the gigantic birthday celebration from Pacific Coast Highway and down Main Street; seeing the tons of people, shouting friendly greetings to friends we discover in the crowd. The parade is all about spirit and I've never seen more spirit on Main Street. It made me proud to be part of the Surf City celebration honoring our country.

On the float behind our banner was a special truck, driven by Tom Kirksey, along with Famous Surfers, including my friend, "Rockin" Ric Fignetti (who just won two national championships), Joey Hawkins and David Nuuhiwa. Also on board was my pal, Natalie Kotsch, the sweet founder of the International Surfing Museum, Lewis Harrison, Dave Reynolds, Kellie Reynolds and Jodi McKay. The float was designed in honor of the Museum's 25th Anniversary. The huge Silver Surfer statue was on the back of the float, along with a Birthday Cake.

If you haven't been to the Museum, please check it out. You'll be glad you did. It's at 411 Olive Avenue (around the corner from the Main Street Starbucks) in Downtown Huntington Beach. It features a fantastic new exhibit on Surf Wax and there are free Surfin' Sunday Concerts in the museum parking lot and at Pier Plaza. You'll see famous bands from around the globe. 

I'd also like to Thank the members of the Fourth of July Board for putting on a Spectacular Event, a Sensational Expo at Pier Plaza, a Splendid Parade and Fireworks Show.

Photos not shown:
1. Famous Surfers Rockin "Ric" Fignetti and Famous Surfer Joey Hawkins, International Surfing Museum Founder Natalie Kotsch and Famous Surfer David Nuuhiwa.
2. International Surfing Museum Board Member Jodi McKay and International Surfing Museum Founder Natalie Kotsch.
3. Huntington Beach Fourth of July Board Members Andi Hamamoto-Kowal and Karen Pedersen also Volunteer Carole Ann Wall.
4. International Surfing Museum Volunteers Chris and Craig MacDonald carrying the banner. Photo courtesy of Dave Reynolds.