Sierra Madre Fourth of July Parade

The parade will travel down Sierra Madre Boulevard to Sierra Vista Park where the party will keep going. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

For over 50 years the Sierra Madre community has joined together in celebration of the great American tradition with music, picnics, games, and the ever popular 4th of July Parade. Residents and guests crowd Sierra Madre Boulevard to watch youngsters on their patriotic bikes stroll down the route alongside hometown heroes like the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team and Sierra Madre Fire Department. The Official Sponsor of the 2018 Parade is The Kensington. The Kensington-Sierra Madre is an assisted-living and memory care residence in the heart of Sierra Madre, along the parade route.

The Sierra Madre 4th of July Committee is pleased to honor retired Fire Chief Stephen Heydorff as the 2018 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal. “The Grand Marshal is a person or persons whose efforts over a long period of time [have] been beneficial to the community of Sierra Madre. The title of Grand Marshal is intended to honor a person or persons’ volume of work, dedication and overall enhancements to our community.” Steve’s 30 plus years on the Fire Department are shining examples of this.

Before the parade, the town will be rockin’ in Memorial Park for the Pre-Parade Party & Picnic on July 3 from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. featuring the outstanding local rock music of Groovy Lemon Pie and the not to be missed Bubblewrap Fireworks at 8 p.m. Kids and grown-ups alike stomp on hundreds of square feet of bubble wrap making the sounds of shooting fireworks. Other park activities include the Friends of Sierra Madre Little League (SMLL) Beer Garden (sales which benefit youth sports); Civic Club’s famous confetti eggs; Sierra Madre Community Foundation Dunk Tank (where you might be able to dunk a local celebrity) and tons of food for purchase.

Community Picnic Dunk Tank Schedule for July 3:

• 5:30 p.m. Rachelle Arizmendi, City Councilmember.
• 6 p.m. Carol Canterbury, Chamber of Commerce.
• 6:30 p.m. Carl Parke, Head of Gooden School.
• 7 p.m. Gabe England, Sierra Madre City Manager.
• 7:30 p.m. John Harabedian, Mayor Pro Tem.
• 8 p.m. Lindsay Lewis, Principal Sierra Madre Elementary School.

And in the morning (July 4) folks are asked to hit the streets for the 8th Annual Spero Foundation’s Fire Cracker Fun Run. Shotgun start is from 8 – 9:30 a.m. (check in from 7–7:45 a.m.) at Kersting Court. This unofficial 5K Fun Run is geared for the entire family to enjoy and although untimed a clock is provided. All runners and walkers of all ages welcome. Walkers with strollers and dogs on leashes are encouraged to participate as this is a true community event.

Registration is available online at cityofsierramadre.com/onlineregistration. The cost is $28 per entry regardless of age, and you can still register. It’s encouraged that everyone dress up and show their patriotism with the most creative outfit possible – so show your support for the Stars and Stripes.

Immediately, following the 5K is the Annual 4th of July Parade which kicks off at the corner of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Sunnyside Avenue at 10 a.m. sharp. The parade travels down Sierra Madre Boulevard to Sierra Vista Park where the party keeps going.

The after-parade Community Picnic & Celebration starts at 11 a.m. with live music from the Wabash Wailers. The Sierra Madre Pool will be open for free. Want to throw water balloons at your friends, or challenge your folks to a three-legged race or sack race? This is the place to be. They will also have the Home Run Derby and food for sale.

To assist visitors in getting around there is a free shuttle from 12 – 2:15 p.m. to and from the Community Picnic at Sierra Vista Park.

For more information, visit sierramadrefourthofjuly.com.