Huntington Beach Parade

HB has a really great parade. Tons of floats and bands, lots of things to do before and after, and overall a well put-​together event. 2 things I wish they would fix:
1. There are literally thousands of people here and it’s impossibly crowded. I would appreciate if the only parking lots within walking distance would charge less than $ 30 to park for 4 hours!
2. During and after the parade there is a huge drinking problem that they need to fix. Drunk people stumbling and swearing all over the place, people drunk driving, people flooding in and out of the bars, etc. While there is an obviously large police presence, I wish they could find a way to curb this a little.
Overall, it’s a pretty good and very fun event that you don’t want to miss!

I grew up in a small town in Northern California called the 4^th of July is a big deal. When I moved to Huntington Beach 15 years ago, I was so happy! The Huntington Beach 4^th of July events feels like I am HOME!

Big… lots of floats, bands, Scouts, Servicemen, Veterans, Volunteers
Corny…politicians waving from donated German cars
Traditional…people come from miles for the cool weather, free event, patriotic tradition
Tasty…start things off with a $ 5 pancake breakfast for the Kiwanis Club, then stop for either a fish taco at Normita’s or a cheesesteak from John’s Philly Grille before partying the day away.
Controlled…lots of cops and no noticeable trouble makers
Jesus Freaks… complete buzz-kill…idiots with oversized bibles, signs and amplified bullhorns touting their hateful speech and thoughts

Ahhh, the HB 4^th of July parade. It just doesn’t get any better than this. Bringing your bike is a must. If you’re not a local… Get there EARLY. Estimates are that 400,000 people come into HB over the long weekend… and a large amount of those are on the 4^th. I stake out my spot at Main/​Adams every year… it’s all about having fun and celebrating! The more the merrier I say… so put it on your calender!

I sure hope some of you Unilocalers took heed of my review 2 years ago and made it to the 2011 HB Parade. This was by far the best one weather wise in several years. Looks like the 2010 summer that never was will not make a return appearance this year (fingers crossed).
Put this event in your calendar for next year and I guarantee a great time. Definitely do the Kiwanis breakfast at Lake Park that just happens to be on the parade route. $ 5 gets you pancakes, sausage, eggs and lemonade/​water. Plenty of pic-​a-​nic tables or choose to bring a blanket to mark your own territory and relax with a bunch of local families. Great fun for the whole brew. Bring the kids, grammas, neighbors, friends, and schlep along one of your single aunts for me.
If you have a bike follow en N’s suggestion and def ride that in or toss in the back of your SUV. Biking is def the best mode of transpo. For next year we may have to form our own parade and barcycling Unilocal Gang.
See you next year!