Grab your chairs and blankets and head to Loyola Blvd. on Monday, July for the 22nd Annual Fourth of July Parade presented by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce!
This year’s theme is “Yours for a Better Community: Celebrating the Best of America!” The Fourth of July Parade Committee selected this theme to pay tribute to the memory of Howard B. Drollinger. June 16 marked what would have been Howard’s 100th birthday. Referred to by many as “Mr. Westchester,” he was one of the founding members of the business organization, a philanthropist and an entrepreneur who would grow his company, now called Drollinger Properties, into Westchester’s largest property management firm. He would sign all of his letters with “Yours for a better Westchester.”
“Howard had such an impact on Westchester, and many of our chamber leaders. If it wasn’t for Howard and the incredible support of Karen Dial, Jim Drollinger, and the entire Drollinger Family, I’m not sure I would have had a nonprofit career in Westchester. Howard gave support to two organizations that have helped shape my career – the Westchester Family YMCA and now the chamber,” said chamber President/CEO Chad Maender. “We are thrilled we could help honor his legacy at this year’s parade, and welcome his daughter, Drollinger Properties and Drollinger Family Charitable Foundation President, Karen Dial, as our 2022 Grand Marshal. Karen is a phenomenal leader and so supportive of our organization and countless important causes and events in the LAX Coastal Area.”
The parade runs from 11 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. and goes down Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to Loyola Marymount University. This year’s line-up includes event favorites like the Great Pyrenees and the 501st Legion (Star Wars tribute), as well as marching bands, classic cars, floats and local dignitaries.
Never been to the parade? Here is the scoop on this year’s event:
• Seating is available along the parade route on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to get there early if you have a particular area where you’d like to sit. Spots start getting reserved as early as 9 a.m., but most attendees arrive between 10:15 and 10:30. The route is especially crowded near the announcer booths at Loyola at Manchester Ave., Loyola at 83rd St. and Loyola at 80th St.
• Limited bleacher sitting is available at center stage at Loyola and 83rd St. Please yield to seniors and people that may need assistance.
• An EMT will be stationed on Loyola at 83rd Street for any emergencies.
• Hand sanitizer; dog water bowls; and water bottles are available at announcer booths. Water is also distributed along the parade route by the Stephanie Younger Group.
•Luxury port-a-potties courtesy of Sunset Studios are available at Loyola at 85th St., Loyola at 83rd St. and Loyola at 80th St. Bathrooms are also available near the library and at LMU.
• Need assistance? Ask a volunteer wearing a teal parade shirt.
•The Hometown News and the Chamber want to see your parade pictures! Tag us on Instagram at @thehometownnews and the @laxcoastal and use the #laxcoastalparade.
This parade would not be possible without the support of sponsors and community!
Photo by Zsuzsi Steiner.