Long-running Independence Day parades in El Sereno and Pacific Palisades were not held Friday, while organizers of the Sunland-Tujunga Independence Day Parade were seeking to avoid a repeat of last year’s water balloon throwing kerfuffle.
The El Sereno Bicentennial Committee canceled what would have been the 66th annual Independence Day Parade, declaring “our participation is usually robust with over 1,200 people marching in the parade. The people who participate in the parade are some of the most patriotic people you would meet. They believe in the promise of this land, of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“This year we will have to cancel our celebrations. We stand with our community. The safety of our participants, spectators and volunteers is at the forefront,” organizers added.
What would have been the 77th Pacific Palisades 4th of July Parade was canceled because of January’s Palisades Fire. Organizers encouraged Pacific Palisades residents to attend Santa Monica’s parade, which had the theme, “Celebrating 150 Years of Cityhood.”
The approximately 1.3-mile parade began at Pico Boulevard and Main Street at 9:30 a.m., traveled south on Main, turned right onto Marine Street and ended at Barnard Way.
Meanwhile, officials vowed that the Sunland-Tujunga Independence Day Parade would be a “water-free event” with the Sunland/Tujunga/Shadow Hills Rotary Club, which organizes the parade, asking attendees, “please no water balloons, Super Soakers, etc.”
In the 2024 parade, someone hurled a water balloon at one of the vehicles in the procession, according to the entertainment website TMZ. Actor Danny Trejo, who was among the parade’s participants, then left his vehicle to go after the perpetrator.
According to Fox11, Trejo was hit by a second water balloon, threw punches and was knocked to the ground.
This year’s parade began at 10 a.m., heading west on Foothill Boulevard from Mt. Gleason Avenue to Sunland Boulevard.
Smokey Bear was the grand marshal “assisted by the Little Tujunga Hotshots forestry firefighters.” The theme was “Stars, Stripes and Mountain Vibes.”
Leaders of the Acton Community Club, which organizes the Acton 4th of July Parade, also had water on their minds, declaring on its website, “In recent years, the use of water during the parade festivities has become excessive. To a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, we kindly ask all participants and spectators to refrain from using motorized or power-assisted water devices. This includes any generator-assisted or pressurized water devices, such as water balloons and water buffalos.
“As we celebrate the `Unity in Community’ theme, let’s be mindful or our water usage and create and event that everyone can enjoy!”
The parade was set to include a flyover, equestrian entries and vintage and custom cars. It was scheduled for 9 a.m. at Banson Street and Crown Valley Road.
The 93rd anniversary Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade included the theme, “Home is where the Hart is — Welcome Hart Park!” a tribute to Santa Clarita taking over the management of William S. Hart Park from Los Angeles County on Tuesday.
The approximately 2-mile parade had more than 90 floats and other entries, organizers said. It began at 9 a.m. at the Newhall Roundabout at the beginning of Main Street to Lyons Avenue, turned onto Orchard Village and continued to its endpoint at Dalbey Drive and Avenida Ignacio.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna rode in one of the parade cars.
The Santa Clarita City Council adopted an ordinance in 1996 banning the “propulsion” of Silly String and other substances on the parade route.
La Verne’s Fourth of July Parade had the theme “Stars, Stripes, & Service.” It began at 10 a.m. at the corner of 10th and D streets, traveled south to Bonita Avenue, west on Bonita to Magnolia Avenue, south on Magnolia to Third Street, east on Third to G Street, north on G back to Bonita, west on Bonita to F Street, north on F to Eighth Street, west on Eighth to D Street and north on D.
The community grand marshals were La Verne residents who are firefighters and La Verne Fire Department firefighters, honored for their roles in fighting the Bridge Fire, Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire.
The Great American Kids’ Bike Parade began at 10 a.m. at One Granada Ave. on the beach bike path in Long Beach. Participants were asked to bring tuna, pasta noodles, breakfast cereal or peanut butter, which will be donated to agencies serving homeless men and women in the area.
The theme of Rosemead’s parade was Independence Day the Rosemead Way. The parade stepped off at Valley Boulevard and Muscatel Avenue, traveled east to Loma Avenue and north to Rosemead Park.
South Pasadena’s colorful Fourth of July Festival of Balloons parade began at 11 a.m. at Mission Street and Diamond Avenue, ending in Garfield Park. The opening ceremony was held at the South Pasadena Library at 10:30 a.m. The theme was “Unity in Community: One Nation, One Neighborhood,” celebrating the spirit of togetherness and pride that defines South Pasadena, organizers said.
Westchester’s 25th annual Fourth of July Parade began at 11 a.m. at the corner of Manchester Avenue and Loyola Boulevard, headed north on Loyola Boulevard and concluded at 80th Street, the entrance to Loyola Marymount University.
The theme was “We Love LA,” “a celebration of everything that makes our city shine, from world-class music and iconic landmarks to sun-soaked beaches, thrilling sports and vibrant neighborhoods,” according to the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the parade.
The parade is Westchester’s largest event, according to the chamber.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park was among the local officials who attended the parade.
Avalon’s golf cart parade was set for 1 p.m. on Casino Way. Its theme was “Surfin’ in the USA — Celebrating Catalina’s Beach Culture.” The grand marshal was Walt Puffer, Avalon’s first Los Angeles County lifeguard.
The USC Trojan Marching Band was among the participants.
Claremont’s mile-long Fourth of July Parade began at 1 p.m. at Memorial Park, traveled south on Indian Hill Boulevard, west on Harrison Avenue and ended at Larkin Park. Longtime community volunteers Bob Fagg and Sonja Stump were the grand marshals.
A Kids Fun Run and Freedom 5k race also took place Friday.
San Marino’s approximately 1.5-mile 4th of July Independence Day Parade-Palooza was set to begin at 4:45 p.m. on Monterey Road, then head to Virginia Road and go through Lacy Park.