Huntington Beach Locals Give 4th of July Parade Tips

Surf, Sun and Celebrate is this year’s theme for the “2013 Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade.” The festivities kick off with a breakfast at Lake Park, from 6:30am-11:00am then the Surf City 5K Run starts at 7:00am The 109th Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade starts at 10:00am and the procession begins on PCH at 9th St, turns left onto Main St., then ends just after Yorktown Ave. You can get more information about the Parade and the entire 4th of July Celebration at http://hb4thofjuly.org/

We asked on Facebook and you shared your thoughts on Huntington Beach’s 4th of July Parade.
HB local Anja Marie Pellegrino said: “Our family tradition is always watching the famous fireworks over the ocean. This year, we’re heading to HB City Beach at 5am on foot to grab a fire pit to ensure we’ll have a spot for roasting veggie dogs, pouch potatoes, and s’mores as the sun begins to set. We’re bringing a small shade structure so we can comfortable “camp out” all day long, sunning, swimming, people watching, chowing down, and just enjoying each other’s company. I know a lot of folks’ celebrations are booze-fueled, but ours is all about family.”

Meanwhile, blogger/graphic designer Resa Barillas shared that she joined the Surf City 5K last year but will not be joining this year. She said: “I’ve never taped off (an area), but then again, for 7 of the 10 years I’ve lived here, I’ve been in the parade. For the past few years, we’d walk or ride our bikes up Main street and catch a look wherever we could OR we’d hang out at a family friend’s house who lives on main street. And my favorite float isn’t a float so much as the drum corps and marching bands that come through.”

Author and Huntington Beach Independent columnist Chris Epting prefers to skip the parade and celebrate at home. However, he said: “Gosh… WHEN we go it’s pretty basic – we have never taped off an area- I think the best advice is to wander along the route as it flows and try to find space along the way – my wish this year is that there would be a float with a fire pit on the back of it (honest) and while any place along the beach is a great to watch, given that we are allowed to purchase fireworks in HB, my best place will be my driveway.”

Finally, you’ve probably heard his voice at the parade and seen him with his video camera taping the festivities for local TV — that would be man-about-town Matt Liffreing. Here’s what he had to say.
“I have been announcing the parade for 31 years. The best view over the years, has been the bleachers at Lake Park. Anyone can hang out with us at Main & Olive, too, another great hot spot! Additionally, everyone is invited to Surf City Trivia at Pier Plaza. I emcee the afternoon after the parade…and here’s a chance for your family to take home prizes, including our grand prize a $100 Duke’s Gift Certificate! Happy 4th!”