Where: Alameda, CA on the following streets: Park, Otis, Grand, Encinal, Central, and Webster.
When: Thursday, July 4th. Parade begins at 10AM; the Coast Guard Festival begins at noon.
What: By now, you can tell that the island city is abuzz as it gets ready for another round of one of Alameda's grandest traditions: the Mayoral Fourth of July Parade.
This parade is like no other. Ranked as one of the largest in the country, it features hundreds of floats and draws a crowd that is tens of thousands big. Best of all, you can view the whole thing from from your own backyard if you live along the path.
Organizations and businesses capture the spirits of their missions in their floats, demonstrating facets of Alameda culture. For example, Rhythmix Cultural Works, a local art nonprofit, often steals the show and takes home prizes with their innovative floats of repurposed cars and giant wooden gears.
Want to participate? It is free to do so, so long as you submit an application by Monday, June 10th at noon. You can use this form.
Floats compete for trophies and prizes, awarded to them by the mayor herself. If you are looking for inspiration and motivation, check out last year's winners here.
In addition to the parade, there are a ton of other events happening in Alameda that day. In the morning, if you are feeling especially patriotic, feel free to join the R.A.C.E. run and walk that takes place on the parade route. This race supports the Midway Shelter, an organization that changes the lives of women and children who are homeless and have experienced domestic abuse. To find out more, and also to register, click on this link here.
Celebrate Alameda's importance to the national government with the Coast Guard Festival! Did you know that Alameda is lucky enough to be one of the twelve Coast Guard Cities in the nation? This designation means that the island city is recognized by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. More information here.
There is so much more going on on July 4th, including food trucks and more. You can consult this page for more information, and if you have time, stop by to visit us on Webster Street. We look forward to seeing you here!