Community celebrations mark America's Independence Day
Parades, concerts, bike rides, runs and more were staged all over region
Events marking the 246th anniversary of the nation's independence were held throughout Los Angeles County on Monday.
In Long Beach, a cloudy morning greeted as children and their families lined up to get their numbers for the 2022 Great American Kids' Bike Parade at Rosie's Dog Beach.
Their bikes decked out in red, white and blue decor, more than 300 kids and their families participated in the two-mile parade.
The parade, sponsored by the Port of Long Beach and Long Beach Council Member Suzie Price, was free, but non-perishable food items were being collected to help the homeless.
“Today is a fun day, it's a day where everyone hangs out with their friends, neighbors, and families,” said Councilwoman Suzie Price. “But it's really important to take a moment and reflect about why we celebrate today and why we take a moment to pause and celebrate our nation.”
Abby Rain, winner of a sing-off held last month, belted out the national anthem before the start of the parade.
“I'm always thrilled with the attendance, with the number of kids and their parents that show up to support the event and to support our country,” said organizer Justin Rudd. “I think it's just a really special way to celebrate our nation and to do that right here in our backyard in Belmont Shore.”
After the bike parade there was a speech competition, and a costume and bike decoration contest.
The first to arrive back from the bike route was Jay Osaki, 10, with his mother Jenifer, 47, from Long Beach, came to support the event that would conclude their holiday weekend.
“The police escort was pretty cool, ” Jenifer said, “we like having that.”
Farah Fogg, 7, was one of the prize winners of the bike decoration competition. She was dressed as the Statue of Liberty and her bike was decked out like a firework.
“We live in the neighborhood so we wanted to come and support Justin and the bike parade,” said Farah's mother, Lisa.
While some rolled, others ran.
The JP Blecksmith Memorial 5K jogged through San Marino, benefiting a foundation created to perpetuate the legacy of a Marine Corps second lieutenant killed while leading his platoon in Iraq.
The run is the signature event hosted by the JP Blecksmith Leadership Foundation, which was created to perpetuate the legacy and honor the life and sacrifice of J.P. Blecksmith, a Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant killed in Fallujah, Iraq on Nov. 11, 2004, while leading his Marines in support of Operation Phantom Fury.
Proceeds from the race support several memorial scholarships. The foundation has also supported veterans' memorials in the San Gabriel Valley.
The San Marino resident graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was a receiver on the academy's football team. He played quarterback and ran track at Flintridge Preparatory School.
Blecksmith was killed during the Second Battle of Fallujah. He was a 24-year-old platoon commander with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. His awards included the
National Defense Service Medal.
The JP Blecksmith Memorial 5K has been run annually on Independence Day in San Marino or virtually since 2005. The last two editions were held virtually.
Blecksmith was described by his brother Alex, the foundation's founder and president, as “a young man of unflappable integrity and perseverance, a gifted athlete, a compassionate friend, a fierce patriot and a devoted leader. With a great sense of humor, J.P. had an infinite list of dreams, goals and aspirations.”
“Like so many of the men and women who either serve or have served in the military, J.P. embodied all that is right with this great country,” Alex Blecksmith said. “Our mission is to keep his memory and legacy of leadership alive.”
In the South Bay, meanwhile, hearty residents ran and paddled — and chugged. Extending a nearly five-decade rite, competitors in the Hermosa Beach Ironman ran a mile, paddled a mile and then slogged down a six-pack of beer. To win, you must keep the suds down, however.
Grand Park's 4th of July Block Party returned to downtown Los Angeles after being canceled each of the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 30,000 people estimated to be in attendance for the free 5 1/2-hour event.
Thousands of families set up camp at Cabrillo Beach for the Fourth of July. Many set up their canopy tents and barbecues, aiming to spend the entire day by the beach.
Beachgoers could take advantage of the food trucks available, part of the annual John Olguin July 4th Spectacular.
“We're very happy to be here and it's good business here with a lot of people,” said Alvaro Correa of LA Waterfront Pizza. “We ask a lot of people where they're from and they say Lancaster, Bakersfield, Victorville, East LA, I couldn't believe it.”
“We just wanted to be by the beach and enjoy the day,” said Anicia Lopez, 26, an Arizona resident on vacation with her partner. “It's great and I love that there are food trucks.” and came to the event not knowing what to expect.
“We usually do the traditional fireworks in front of our house but this year we wanted to check it out because they said (the show) was going to be 60,000 worth of fireworks,” said Andrew French, 42, from San Pedro, who brought his entire family to see the show for the first time since moving to the city.. “So it's going to be big and we're excited to see it.”
In Pasadena, the 96th annual AmericaFest Celebration, billed as California's longest-running Independence Day fireworks show, returned to the Rose Bowl.
Carlos Vargas arrived early and said he was having a great time at the daytime FanFest — consisting of vendors, food, games and music.
Charles Jones, a firsttime attender of AmericaFest, said he wished he'd known about the tailgating since he would have brought food, but that he was enjoying the music.
The Rose Bowl offered various activities — including the Arroyo Seco Saints vs. Orange County Riptide baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium, the TNT Motocross Riders, musical performances and a fireworks show to close off the night.
Whittier residents celebrated Independence Day twice. First, a flag raising and Freedom Walk was held in the morning at Palm
Park along the Greenway Trail. The trail splits the park in half.
Later in the evening at York Field, a fireworks show was planned.
Fireworks were also anticipated after dark at dozens of other venues around Southern California.
More parades
Residents of the Liberty Canyon neighborhood in Agoura Hills — which features such street names as Patrick Henry Place and Revere Way — was again in a patriotic spirit as it celebrated the Fourth with their annual parade on Monday.
The theme of Rosemead's parade was “America, Together We Stand.” It trekked along Valley Boulevard between Muscatel and Loma avenues, ending at Rosemead Park.
The Sunland-Tujunga Independence Day parade started at Foothill Boulevard at Summitrose Street, heading west along Foothill Boulevard to Sunland Boulevard. Its theme: “Better Together.”
Avalon's golf cart parade was led by the USC Trojan Marching Band. Its theme is “Explore Catalina By Land, Air, Or Sea.”
South Pasadena's Fourth of July Festival of Balloons was planned for Mission Street and Diamond Avenue, ending in Garfield Park.
The Valley Village Homeowners Association Fourth of July Parade began at Colfax Elementary School, ending at Valley Village Park. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger was set to join the march.
Barger was also scheduled to ride in San Marino's parade, later in the day. Barger is a lifelong San Marino resident.
Sierra Madre's 4th of July Parade launched at the corner of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Sunnyside Avenue, heading east to Sierra Vista
Park. The planned grand marshal was Chris Cimino, the city's public works director.
San Gabriel's 4th of July
Parade started at Plaza Park, headed north on Mission Drive, then east on Broadway, concluding at Smith Park.