Community invited to “An American Adventure” at 18th Annual Parade

Now in its 18th year, the LAX Coastal Fourth of July Parade has become a community tradition that draws thousands of local residents, visitors and families to Loyola Blvd. to celebrate.

“We are honored to be able to put on this parade for our community, and we know people look forward to it every summer,” says LAX Coastal Board Chair Liz Hall. “We love that this event gives the opportunity for the whole neighborhood to come together to honor Independence Day, as well as celebrate this awesome community. I wouldn’t want to spend my holiday any other way.”

This year’s parade theme is “An American Adventure,” suggested by Westchester Lutheran student Emily Yeow. Organizers are excited to see what the participants come up with and are expecting to see floats that pay tribute to adventurous pastimes, celebrate the national parks and pay homage to America’s monuments.

“Our committee unanimously selected this year’s theme because we thought it would translate to a great parade,” said LAX Coastal President/CEO Christina Davis. “Summer is all about spending time with your family, and we hope seeing some of the entries inspires the audience to make this a memorable summer, whether you go on a road trip, play at the beach or visit the great outdoors.”

The parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m. Fifty community groups, floats, bands and entries will travel down Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park (Manchester Ave.) to LMU to complete the .75 mile route.

Parade favorites like the Great Pyrenees, Westchester Lutheran Church and School, the Game Sports Bar & Restaurant and the Emerson Avenue Community Garden will be returning this year, and will be joining new entries the Southern California DeLorean Club, Hamilton High School, Star Wars tribute 501st Legion and the Silicon Beach Parents Group.

The floats will be judged before the parade by Chamber Board Chair Liz Hall, Honorary Mayor Garrett Smith, sponsor Westfield Culver City’s Ricky Crawford and sponsor Jane St. John in the categories of “Best Overall,” “Spirit of the Parade,” “Chairman’s Award” and “Mayor’s Award.” The winners will be announced with streamers and special banners as they pass each announcer booth along the parade route.

Sidewalk seating along Loyola Blvd. is available on a first come, first served basis, and parade-goers can also bring blankets or beach chairs to sit on. Organizers recommend arriving between 10 and 10:30 a.m. to reserve your seat along the route. Popular seating locations include areas near the three announcer booths. Geoff Maleman will be the center stage announcer (at 83rd and Loyola), David Voss will be stationed at the parade start and Larry Israelson will be announcing at the end of the parade route at 80th Street and Loyola.

“We say it every year, but this parade would not be possible without the support and dedication of our sponsors, participants and volunteers,” said Parade Chair Gwen Vuchsas. “We work for many months planning this event because we love the community, and love our country. We are honored that so many families choose to spend their Fourth of July at the parade, and we are happy to be able to put on this neighborhood tradition.”

For more information on the parade, please call the LAX Coastal Chamber at (310) 645-5151 and view our program in the HTN.

2017 Parade Line of March:

Posted July 2017.

Photos by Glenn Marzano.