It’s not easy for the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade committee to come up with a new parade theme, year after year, to help celebrate Independence Day. In the last eighteen years there have been tributes to America’s pastimes, songs, icons, heroes, patriotism and adventures, often leaving the volunteer-based committee scratching their heads when it comes to picking a new theme that will encourage participants to come up with creative, inspiring entries and floats. To help solve this issue, the parade committee is reaching out to the community to ask for their suggestions for this year’s event.
“This is the third year we’ve reached out to the community for help to choose the theme, and we think it’s a fun way to encourage participation and get new, fresh perspectives,” said LAX Coastal Chamber President/CEO, Christina Davis. “We’ve received some great suggestions over the last few years, and we appreciate the feedback on what people want to see at the parade.”
The Fourth of July Parade is hosted by the LAX Coastal Chamber and participants rely on the theme to help shape their ideas and the direction of their entries, which range from floats, marching bands and walking groups.
When participants really like a theme, it shows on parade day, according to event chair, Gwen Vuchsas.
“We never know ahead of time what theme will resonate with our entries, but it’s evident on the Fourth of July which groups really loved the theme,” said Vuchsas, who has chaired the event since its inception. “A good theme helps create a great parade. The committee loves to see how the entries interpret it, and we know the parade attendees do too.”
Those interested in participating in this year’s parade theme contest are asked to email the parade committee at laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com by Friday, February 23 with contact info, a parade theme and a short paragraph explaining their suggestion.
All submissions will be reviewed by the committee, and the winner will receive a gift bag with parade swag and the opportunity for a family of four to ride in the 2018 LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade (conditions apply), taking place on Wednesday, July 4.
The committee is also accepting audition videos for those interested in singing the National Anthem at the event. It is a tradition to select a local singer to help kick-off the parade. Audition videos can be posted to the chamber’s Facebook page at facebook.com/laxcoastal or emailed to laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com by Friday, April 6.
While everyone is encouraged to submit audition videos, preference is given to students who live or attend school in the LAX Coastal area, which includes Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey and Del Rey.
For more info on the parade or sponsorship opportunities, please call the chamber office at (310) 645-5151, email laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com or visit laxcoastal.com/parade.
For those interested in receiving information about participating in the 2018 Fourth of July Parade, applications will be available in March.
Photo by Glenn Marzano.
Posted February 2018.