A New Fourth of July Parade for San Francisco
We need to celebrate the joy in our lives — and create more of it.
That’s why I’m excited to announce we’re starting a new Fourth of July tradition in San Francisco — an oceanside parade brought to you by the Friends of Great Highway Park.
Did you know there’s never been a regular Fourth of July parade in San Francisco? The only one we could find a record of was in 1976.
The San Francisco Chronicle published “Six Decades of 4th of July Photos” and nary a mention of a parade. Though another article recalled one parade celebrating the bicentennial on July 4, 1976. But nothing since.
The Declaration of Independence talks about “the pursuit of happiness.” That’s why San Francisco needs a Fourth of July parade. Let’s celebrate what makes us happy.
The challenges in our city can feel daunting. We can’t do this hard work without hope. That’s why I believe we must always lead with joy. That’s why I brought a night market to the Sunset — and why we’re now creating a Fourth of July parade.
We must recognize the joy in our city. There is plenty of it. Think of every gathering of your friends and family. Or how you feel when you experience the natural beauty, cuisine, and culture that defined San Francisco long before “doom loop” became a buzzword.
The problems we face are real. So are the joyful things. We must keep that perspective. Let’s encourage more joy as we work to create our best San Francisco.
Watch ABC7 News report about our effort to start a new Fourth of July parade tradition in San Francisco:
In the spirit of Great Highway Park and San Francisco, this won’t be a typical or traditional event. All the floats will be pedal or people-powered and our celebration will focus on four key words in the Declaration of Independence: “the pursuit of happiness.”
Our parade will feature:
Happy, colorful, and creative bike and wagon floats
Sunset Community Marching Band debut
Taiko drum performance
Bouncy house for kids
Fire truck for kids of all ages
Free apple pie
Fourth of July Parade and Picnic
Saturday June 29
Great Highway between Judah and Noriega
Picnic: 11 AM to 1 PM
Parade: 12 noon to 12:30 PM
(Parade begins at Judah and marches toward Noriega)
NOTE: Our parade is on June 29 — a few days before July 4 — so you can still enjoy your plans for the actual holiday.
Every float at our parade will be pedal and people-powered — like this example:
Here are some images of what we hope to see with wagons:
And look what people have done with bikes! We hope to see floats like this:
Creativity has no bounds. Make a float that makes you happy:
Are you inspired to make your own bike or wagon float?
RSVP here to enter a float.
We will also have a float decorating party the day before the parade. We will provide streamers, crepe paper, pompoms, and flags.
Float Decorating Party
Friday, June 28
2 to 4 PM
Blue Boat Playground
Lincoln and 45th Avenue
Start planning your float today. Or join as a spectator and have a picnic while watching your neighbors parade by the ocean. All are welcome!