Photographer Mia Duncans captured this striking image of the 2019 parade.
Photo: Courtesy PAPA
Given that it was faced by unprecedented challenges this spring, the Palisades Americanism Parade Association had to create its own theme for this year’s Fourth of July events.
The chosen theme, “Celebrating a Different Kind of 4th,” reflects the fact that Covid-19 restrictions forced cancellation of the Will Rogers Run, the parade and the concert/fireworks show.
In their place, PAPA has arranged for a 2 p.m. flyover by a squadron of World War II planes, as well as a virtual live concert in the evening, along with the traditional Home Decorating Contest and the Kids on Bikes decorating contest.
In years past, the tradition has been to have parade slogans submitted by Pacific Palisades residents, and PAPA board members then vote to determine the winner.
This year, PAPA solicited themes from the public related to the Fourth of July in general with an entry deadline of June 3. However, the death of George Floyd on May 25, and the subsequent nationwide protests that started almost immediately afterwards, presented a conundrum.
“The themes we received didn’t seem to work in light of everything, and some might have been perceived by some people as lacking in awareness or sensitivity,” PAPA treasurer (and former PAPA president) Daphne Gronich said. “Hopefully in 2021, we will have a parade and a theme winner riding on the firetruck.”
Love that lady, Daphne – she is such a true Palisadian – here’s hoping many of the usual volunteers will return to make our 4th the special occasion it has been in the past. xxxooo Lee