Calling all parade entries, volunteers and sponsors!
With a little less than two months to go, the Fourth of July Parade Committee is hard at work making sure this year’s event is a special celebration, and they’re calling on the community to come out in full force to support this beloved neighborhood tradition.
After two years of having to pivot and put on a smaller event, organizers led by the LAX Coastal Chamber are excited to be back this summer hosting a full-sized parade on Monday, July 4, complete with 50 entries, marching bands, cool classic cars and entertainment for the whole family. The parade is held on Loyola Blvd. from Westchester Park to Loyola Marymount University.
The 2022 parade theme is “Yours for a Better Community: Celebrating the Best of America.”The committee selected this theme to honor the 100th birthday of Howard Drollinger. An entrepreneur and philanthropist with a passion for supporting his community and seeing it thrive, he would sign all of his letters with, “Yours for a better Westchester.”The theme is a play off his signature sign-off. During Drollinger’s long career in Westchester, he would build his company to become the largest property management firm in 90045.
Today, Drollinger Properties is led by his daughter, Karen Dial, who continues her father’s legacy of philanthropy through the family’s charitable foundation. Some of the programs the foundation supports include numerous community events like WAM, the arts and yoga at local schools. Dial, who is President of Drollinger Properties, will serve as the parade’s 2022 Grand Marshal and is also sponsoring the creation of a float.
Community organizations and groups interested in participating in this year’s festivities are asked to fill out an application that describes their idea for an entry. Organizers are encouraging groups to create interactive floats or entries with musical entertainment that highlight the best of the community and the country. Some suggestions for floats include: recognizing one of the community’s natural wonders like the Ballona Wetlands or Toes Beach; celebrating diversity by paying tribute to a wide range of American heroes or showcasing Los Angeles by creating an entry that focuses on cultural landmarks, important industries, or popular tourist attractions. Awards will be given out at the parade for Best Overall, Best in Relation to Theme and Spirit of the Parade.
The parade committee is also inviting community members to audition to sing the National Anthem during the event. It’s the chamber’s tradition to select a local singer to perform at the opening ceremony, and those interested in applying are asked to submit an audition video by May 13. Everyone is encouraged to apply.
For more information about participating in the 22nd Annual Fourth of July Parade, sponsoring or volunteering, please email laxcoastalonparade@gmail.com. More information is also available at laxcoastalonparade.com.