Enjoy 4th of July in Huntington Beach, California

Queens, Clowns and Bands. No, this isn't the line up for a rock concert. It is the list of participants in the annual Huntington Beach 4^th of July Parade. A procession that is 103 years old this year, the largest parade west of the Mississippi River with over 300 entries.

If you are a steadfast Huntington Beach resident, than you know that on July 4^th downtown is the place to be. Over the past years the police force and the city have made it a safe environment for the entire family.

Huntington Beach has made the most of the fact that the 4th of July lands on a Wednesday this year with 4 days of planned festivities in the downtown district. The list of entertainment includes the Pier Plaza Fun Expo, a home decorating contest for residences along Main Street, a Pancake Breakfast at Lake Park, the Surf City 5K Run and Fitness Expo, the Parade, Children's Fair, Pier Plaza entertainment and to top it all off, a Firework Extravaganza at the HB Pier.

The parade has a wonderful mix of celebrants as well as some big named dignitaries. The Indian Guides and Maidens are a huge hit along the parade route, painting faces with red, white and blue "war paint" as they run down the street chanting. The military color guards and war heroes always get a dignified salute and standing ovation from the crowd. It's enough to make you feel as if you are part of something huge. Then there are the local businesses' floats and city council members riding in convertibles waving and pointing to those they know like hometown celebrities.

You may have never heard of the Grand Marshals of this year's event but it doesn't matter. Everyone still enjoys their presence and the fact that they have taken the time to support our famous parade. This year the Parade Grand Marshal is Johnny Grant and the "Bill Galliene" Award Recipient will be Ronnie Lomas of Pageantry Productions for her support and dedication to the parade. Other Grand Marshals include - Citizen Grand Marshal Bernie Bishof - General Manager of Old World German Restaurant, and Community Grand Marshal - George Jack - Owner of Jack's Jewelers in 5 Points Plaza.

The Military Grand Marshals consist of Major General Terrill K. Moffitt and General Ellen M. Pawlikoski. The Sports Grand Marshal is Ann Meyers. They will be keeping company with Celebrity Guests - Jacklyn Zeman, Kate Linder and Justin Chon.

A few of the best places to view the parade are on the grassy center divider in front of Huntington Beach High School, along the route in the residential section of Main Street, or on the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway where the parade begins. To get the best seat possible, you are allowed to start "staking" out your spot beginning after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3^rd.

Another great idea is to go to Fred's Mexican Cafe for their 4^th of July Brunch. They will be serving an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast with a bird's eye view of the parade as it heads down Main Street. The proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Bolsa Chica Conservatory. Tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child. To purchase advance tickets, call Casey at (714) 846-1114. Fred's is located in the heart of downtown at Main Street and PCH, upstairs above Huntington Surf & Sport.

Parking and traffic can be a problem if you aren't familiar with the area and street closures. Main Streets and Pacific Coast Highway will be closed starting at 5 a.m. on the 4^th. PCH will be closed from Goldenwest to Beach Boulevard until after the parade, and then from 7 p.m. until around 11 p.m. for the fireworks show. The Pier will be partially closed the entire day of the 4^th and completely closed after 5 p.m. Your best bet to get to the parade or the fireworks is to park a good distance and walk into the area.

Huntington Beach is well known for putting on a great celebration, especially on 4^th of July. Over the past 10 years the city has done a superb job to clean up its image and promote a safe and exciting commemoration of our country's birth. The parade may be a bit "home town" for some people's tastes but when you see the cheerful nature of the residents having a great time, it doesn't matter if there are big name celebrities or just a bunch of kids pulling decorated wagons. They are there to support the biggest and best parade this side of the Mississippi.

Here is some information on the 4 Days of Entertainment:

*Pier Plaza Fun Expo

- Located on Main Street and PCH

- July 1, 2, 3 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

- July 4 from 12:30p.m. - 8 p.m.

*Pancake Breakfast at Lake Park

- Located at 11^th Street and Main Street

- July 4 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

*Surf City 5K Run and Fitness Expo (more at www.surfcityrun.com)

- At Worthy Park located on 17^th Street and Main Street

- July 4^th from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Children's Fair

- Located on Main Street between PCH and Olive Street

- July 4 immediately after the parade

*4^th of July Parade (more at www.HB4thofJuly.org)

- Route is on Main Street from Pacific Coast Highway to Goldenwest

- July 4 from 10 a.m. to approximately 12:30p.m.

*Firework Extravaganza at HB Pier

- Main Street and PCH

- July 4^th from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.