Pictures of the 106th Fourth of July Parade in Huntington Beach

Since it's the biggest parade this side of the Mississippi, it's a bit hard to pick representative pictures. So, here are a handful of my favorites, gained from walking down the parade route.

Dancing horses! I was finally at a point to get to see them dance, too.

I love the fact that there is always someone from Anjo, our sister city in Japan, in the parade. I wonder if Huntington Beach sends representatives to any festival in Anjo?

A time-honored tradition. At least it's in good cause!

Seating is at a premium for the parade. Many people stake out their sites ahead of time, often very thoroughly (lots of CAUTION tape, plus signs). Others make use of their lawns and any other available space they may have.

Decorated bikes are a must.

Does this really need a caption?

The 104th Fourth of July Parade!

The Fourth of July Parade is a big event here. People reserve their spaces in advance, decorate houses, and plan their parties around it.

I don't make it every year, but this year I was able to go down to observe the festivities.





Fifers fifing. Do fifers fife?

The photo of the Wells Fargo coach is posted out of respect for Stagecoach: Wells Fargo and the American West, which I recently read & enjoyed. Otherwise, I probably would not have even particularly noticed it amidst all the rest.


I find it amusing that the Garbage Collectors regularly have an entry. This one isn't as good as last years, but they can't all be winners, can they?

Horses!

What is a parade without horses, bit and small?

The Post-Parade Parade

The Biggest Parade This Side of the Mississippi is followed by another, less-celebrated, parade.

A Very Practical Ministry

I observed this with equal amounts of respect and amusement.