Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade

More Than 300,000 People Thrilled By HB Fourth Of July Parade

By Chris MacDonald, HB Ambassador/The Local News Columnist

More than 300,000 spectators enjoyed the 109th Annual Huntington Beach Fourth Of July Parade, which went along Pacific Coast Highway and down Main Street. My father and I really enjoyed carrying the HB International Surfing Museum Banner (for the 7th year in a row) in front of Randy Lyford's famous 1950 Woody Station Wagon, which carried Museum Founder Natalie Kotsch, Chairman Brett Barnes, Vice Chairman PT Townend and Famous Surfing Celebrities David Nuuhiwa and Rockin "Ric" Figentti, who hung off the back, drawing huge cheers from the crowd.

During the trek, I was energized by the spectators, while holding the banner and waving a flag in front of many friends like Bill Cuppy, Mellanie Ingle, Bob "The Greek" Bolen, Mike Van Voorhis, Greg Griffin, HB Police Chief Ken Small, Cindy Cross, Dale Stinson, Matt Liffreing, Greg Furlong, Bud & Sally Wescott, Sandy McGrath, Mike & Anne Adams, Bob, Connie & Kelly Mandic, Barbara Delgleize, Mike & Diane Griffith, Mike & Barbara Whalen, Paul Taylor, Linda Richards, Clint Orr, Bob, Lynne & Janae Slater, Don MacAllister, Lloyd & Karen Skaggs, Karin Reed, Rich, Dianne & Libbie Rector, Butch & Tina Viray, Peter, Joanne & Anthony Ursano, Cheryl Coleman, Heather, Nicole & Zack Vuncanon, Diana Abruscato, Cat Navetta, Susan Welfringer, Terry Tintle, Rob Bonillas, Debby McCormick, Sue Taylor and so many others.

We walked behind the incredible Ronnie's All-Star Pageantry Corps, made up of talented drummers, tuba players and more. Their energetic and entertaining rhythm really inspired us throughout the journey.

In front of these wonderful musicians was Legendary "Officer McGruff", who rode in a 66 Mustang with his friend, Make-a-Wish Canine Ambassador, Doc Barker, Sherry Buchbinder, Doc's owner/handler, and Nilda Patiņo de Berndt from HBPD Community Relations. (You can make plans to see the lovable McGruff and Barker again from 4-8pm, August 6th for National Night Out at the Huntington Beach Target Store, Adams and Brookhurst).
Also riding were volunteers from all three HBPD Volunteer programs--HB Neighborhood Watch Program and Newsletter Assembly group, RSVP's (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), and VIPS (Volunteers in Police Services). These volunteers assist in a variety of important duties, including Vacation House Checks, Illegal Sign Removal, preparing and mailing over 13,000 HB Neighborhood Watch Newsletters monthly, conducting Neighborhood Watch Block meeting sand much more. Many of the services they provide could not be done without our volunteers. (If you'd like to be involved in the HBPD Volunteer Groups, call Nilda at 714-536-5933 or 714-625-6742.
I'd like to THANK everyone involved--from the sponsors, participants and spectators to Public Works, Public Safety (Police & Fire & CERT &Marine Safety), The Parade Board and all the volunteers, who put in so much time, planning and putting on the greatest 4th of July Parade and events anywhere. It really brings the community together and makes us proud to be in HB and the USA.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.