ALPINE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE DRAWS A CROWD

Source: Alpine Chamber of Commerce

July 5, 2018 (Alpine) -- Alpine’s hometown 4^th of July Parade & Festival was a joyful celebration of the nation’s 242^nd birthday. Whether they walked, danced or waved from vehicles and floats coming down Alpine Boulevard, parade participants with more than 65 entries smiled and called out to family, friends and visitors.

The march ended at the festival with its live music from two bands, entertainment, children’s activities, vendors, food, a dunk tank, bounce house and more in the Alpine Community Center Park, 1830 Alpine Blvd. Almost 2,000 people enjoyed the local events.

“It has a lot of meaning,” Alpine resident Valerie Torres said about the foothills salute to the nation’s origins. “We live in the land of opportunity. It’s great to come together!”

The USA’s traditional 4^th of July commemorates the 1776 vote by representatives of 13 North American colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain.

Alpine’s festivities displayed a similar commitment, partnership and creativity to a common cause.

No horse to pull the Alpine Historical Society’s restored vintage doctor’s buggy in the parade?

No problem --- the organization asked Cherie Garewal, owner of Bullseye Feed in Alpine and Descanso, if they could borrow her popular “Easy Rider” horse statue to “pull” the buggy on a float.

“I said fine,” Garewal said later. “Everyone recognizes the horse. It has a fan club.”

Kiwanis Club of Alpine worked with the Alpine Community Center and the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce to present the parade and festival.

The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians was the major 2018 event sponsor with Children’s Nature Retreat as secondary sponsor. Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.; Barons Market, Alpine Landscape Materials were also sponsors.

Girl Scouts handing out U.S. flags, floating bubbles, the Buecker Squadron bi-plane flyover, patriotic music, a jazz band and decorated motorcycles and vintage cars helped make the parade memorable.

“Great parade,” said a spectator who identified herself as Teresa.  “We know people in it ---- that’s even better.”

Additional festival highlights included unusual vendors and chatting with friends and friendly strangers while enjoying great weather.

“It was wonderful,” said new Alpine resident Karen Roth. “I love the community.”