Skydivers generally kicked off the Palisades Fourth of July Parade.
The 4th of July was a day-long event in Pacific Palisades starting with the 5/10K Will Rogers Run, the water fight on Monument, the parade – including the sky divers and culminating with the evening ceremonies at Palisades High School with music and fireworks.
Everything is going to be back this year, but with a “twist” or modification. Well—maybe not everything, the home decorating contest will take a hiatus since so many homes were destroyed in the January 7, 8 and 9 Palisades Fire.
5K WILL ROGERS RUN:
Race organizers led by Thomas Hathaway, Michael Solum and Jimmy Klein, and other volunteers met to organize the race this year, which will be held in Venice.
The run is on this year, but it will only be a 5K and Kids Fun Run and it will be held in Venice at 7 a.m. on July 4.
On a positive note, organizers are lowering the costs, especially for people who sign up now. The race will start at the Venice Board Walk, travel on Venice Boulevard, cut to Abbot Kinney, before turning around and traveling back to end at the boardwalk.
Race announcers this year are dynamic duo of Sam Lagana and Jimmy Dunne, so even if one does not run, it should be highly entertaining at the start of the race. The Blue Eagles Color Guard will present the flag.
Singing the anthem will be home-town talent Mia Ruhman, who is a soprano in UCLA Chamber singers and was selected to be the undergraduate commencement speakers at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music graduation ceremony.
Race organizers hope that high school cross country runners will once again compete for the Dick Lemen Perpetual Trophy. The Lemen Run was initiated in 2019 and named after the late Lemen, who was a longtime Palisadian and a track coach at Palisades High for many years. He was also a member of the Ridge Runners, the band of about 20 local runners who originated the Will Rogers Run in 1978.
The fastest three individual times are added to determine the high school winner. The first year of the competition Palisades High edged out Loyola. Next year Loyola took the trophy and in 2023, Oak Park High School claimed the title, which Loyola recaptured last year. Hopefully runners from Venice, Westchester and other local teams will participate this year.
The ever-popular Kids Fun Run will also return this year.
Race proceeds this year will go toward rebuilding the Pacific Palisades Park & Community Center, as the Palisades centerpiece for neighbors of all ages to gather and recreate together. The Palisades Will Rogers 5&10K Run Foundation is also accepting direct donations toward that effort. For more information and to register https://www.palisades4th.com/
4th of JULY PARADE
Lou Kamer, who has helped build floats for the 4th of July, is helping organize this year’s parade.
Photo: MORGAN GENSER
Organizer and Palisadian Lou Kamer said “Come join the Parade in Santa Monica, this Year! Even though there can’t be a 4th of July parade in town this year, we can still share our Palisades spirit with each other and the world.
Kamer said that Santa Monica’s 4th of July Parade organizers, who are celebrating Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary have offered to add up to 25 Palisades parade or float entries for free. Many of the familiar parade participants have already signed up, including Gerry Blanck Dojo, Resilient Palisades, the YMCA and The Alphabet Streets Spectacular.
Does someone want to organize Patriotic Pups? Do we want Kids on Bikes? What do residents feel should be in this year’s parade in Santa Monica?
“This 4th has always been such a special day in our town,” Kamer said. “Come help share that feeling, either by helping to organize and design entries, being in the parade, or just watching familiar faces go by.
“This is open to families of all ages,” Kamer said. “Let’s dance, sing and work together to feel and share our indestructible Palisades spirit. “
The parade will be held on Main Street from Pico to Marine and start at 9 a.m. (parade entries are asked to arrive around 7 a.m.
“The Santa Monica Parade has different requirements for entries, so reach out with questions or to see how you or your families can participate,” Kamer said (loukrep@gmail.com) A link to the parade page https://www.santamonicaparade.com
Applications to participate CLOSES on June 20! If you missed the deadline, or have questions about participation, please email santamonicaparade@gmail.com
EVENING CELEBRATION:
Matt and Rene Rodman at a prior the Fourth of July parade. Rodman is president of PAPA, the group of volunteers that organize the parade.
Photo: CRAIG WESTON
“PAPA (Palisades Americanism Parade Association) President Matt Rodman said, “Now, more than ever, nothing will stop Palisadians from celebrating our Palisades4th. While tending to our properties, working to find places to live, and fighting for insurance coverage, PAPA volunteers have also found precious time to start planning an event worthy of a Palisades July 4th.
“We’re incredibly excited to announce that we will be hosting the 78th annual Pacific Palisades July 4th Celebration, this year on the six- acre athletic field at Paul Revere Charter Middle School.”
instead of Fireworks this year by Pryo Spectaculars, a spectacular drone show will be offered. Pyro Spectaculars note they create a whole story with music, sound effects, and visuals with drone shows. The team uses a specialized software program to create complex aerial displays that can be set to match music. It will be a first for the Palisades 4th of July.
Look for a future story with a timeline.