In 1904, there were only 144 miles of paved roads in the entire United States. This summer, the 120th Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade will make its way from Pacific Coast Highway 2.5 miles up the city’s most popular paved road --Main Street – in a celebration of both country and community.
The first HB 4th of July Parade in 1904 commemorated the arrival of the first electric passenger train linking the area with Long Beach and Los Angeles and attracted an estimated 50,000 people.
This year, more than 500,000 people are expected to line Main Street for the parade, themed “Through the Decades.”
The parade features floats, marching bands, community groups, celebrities, local and area elected officials, equestrian groups and much more.
This year’s parade celebrity VIPs include: Teen Grand Marshal FiFi Garcia. A 12-year-old honor student at Sts. Simon & Jude School, she is an exceptional athlete and all-star in six sports. She was named Sports Illustrated “Kid of the Year” in 2023.
Musical Grand Marshal Kyle Schuesler, 19, hails from Huntington Beach and has quickly risen as a prominent figure in the musical scene with his indie-folk compositions. He was a performer during season 25 of NBC’s The Voice.
Surfing Grand Marshal Jeff 'DBaugh' Deffenbaugh has won numerous surfing awards throughout his career. He currently lives in Huntington Beach with his wife Elise and three children, Justin, Madison and Dane.
Community Grand Marshal Robyne Wood of Huntington Beach started the nonprofit Robyne's Nest in 2015. Robyne and her team at Robyne's Nest provide support and resources to local students who have little to no parental support.
Besides the parade, the Huntington Beach celebration includes the Surf City Run starting at 7 a.m. with categories for everyone: a residents 5K, an open 5K (8 a.m.) a stroller 5K (8:15 a.m.) and a kids fun run (9 a.m.)
The Kiwanis Club of Huntington Beach holds its annual pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m. at Lake Park. Breakfast tickets are $10 or $7 for children under 12, active military and 5K runners.
As usual, the day culminates with a fireworks show over the ocean.
Photos provided by City of Huntington Beach