I moved to Alameda from San Francisco in spring 2010, and I remember exactly how I felt going to the Alameda’s 4th of July Parade a few months later with my family, including my 2-month old son, who took a rare nap in his stroller. Until that moment, I had never felt more connected to a place and part of a community. It’s a feeling that has not left me since and is one of the things that makes Alameda such a special place to live (and work!).
Alameda’s Independence Day parade kicks off at 10 a.m. July 4 and is the longest in the nation with a route that spans 3.3 miles — the perfect length for a preparade 5K! As you are getting settled in your chairs, cheer on runners and walkers as they make their way along the parade route starting at 9:45 a.m. in the event benefiting Alameda’s Midway Shelter for women and children suffering from homelessness and domestic violence.
Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft has selected Otto Wright and Gene Oh as the grand marshals of this year’s parade. Wright owns The Local coffee shop on Park Street and has hosted community food and supply drives for victims of the North Bay fires, federal employees during the government shutdown and residents of Midway Shelter and employs students with disabilities through a program with the Alameda Unified School District.
Oh is the owner of Alameda Bicycle on Park Street, and conceived of and organizes the annual Bike for the Parks fundraiser that raises thousands of dollars for our parks each year. Be sure to wave hello as they lead the parade into its 43rd year. On the sidelines, enjoy more than 170 parade entries, including floats, marching bands, equestrians, dance troops, bands and classic cars. The best part? Anyone can participate! Sign-up to be in the parade at alamedaparade.com/signup.
After the parade, the third annual Coast Guard Festival will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. next to the USS Hornet at Pier 3 on Alameda Point. This free family-friendly event includes activities for kids (bounce houses, zip lines, face painting and a rock wall to climb), live music, food and beverages sold by local vendors, and free tours of the following Coast Guard displays:
- an MH65 helicopter — this multimission agile aircraft can instantly shift from conducting homeland security patrols to search-and-rescue operations. The helicopter will be on display for tours, and a search-and-rescue demonstration will take place at 2 p.m. (conditions permitting).
- CGC Terrell Horne — this 154-foot fast-response cutter features advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.
- Maritime Safety and Security Team 91105 — the anti-terrorism team specializes in detecting and stopping threats to local maritime assets.
- Port Security Unit 312 — this deployable unit is organized for sustained force protection operations. They provide waterside protection to key assets, including pier areas, high-value vessels and harbor entrances.
- USCG divers — these expertly trained, highly motivated professionals support various missions ranging from science to homeland security operations.
- The Pacific Strike Team — one of three special teams that make up the National Strike Force, the PST is recognized worldwide as an expert authority in preparating for and responding to any hazard or emergency affecting the American public.
- A mobile medical unit — this fast-response emergency medical platform can deploy to highly impacted areas during a disaster.
- A history tent — view historical artifacts and hear stories that help illustrate the U.S. Coast Guard’s 229-year heritage.
The 4th of July Parade would not be possible without the tireless support, experience and energy of the Parade Foundation, including Barbara Price, Mark Sorensen and Jim Franz, along with dozens of volunteers, many of whom have volunteered for decades. They organize Alameda’s biggest pop-up event with precision and grace. Roads close just before the parade starts and by 3 p.m., the Island’s parade route should look the same as it normally does. As you celebrate, please be safe, obey road closures and detours and have fun!
Sarah Henry is a public information officer for the city of Alameda. She can be reached at 510-747-4714 or shenry@alamedaca.gov.
FYI
Parade route information: alamedaparade.com
5K parade route run/walk: alamedarace.com/RACE
Coast Guard Festival: alamedaparade.com/events
USS Hornet event: uss-hornet.org/calendar/4th-of-july-2019
