In Santa Monica Canyon, neighbors have found a safe way to celebrate the Fourth, starting with an 11 a.m. car parade. The organizers told Circling the News, “After 58 years of annual Fourth of July celebrations, the undaunted Upper Canyon must continue tradition despite the pandemic – BUT we will stay safe! We will social distance. We will wear masks. We will take care of one another.”
They added that there will be “NO annual softball game, no swim party, no bouncy house or potluck supper. We plan to honor those who have sacrificed way back in 1776 and now in this battle against Covid-19 with an old fashioned car parade!
“Led by Grand Marshal Russ Sherman, there will be patriotic music, as those who have registered his/her car will drive the streets in decorated vehicles. Families will be inside waving at the neighbors who lining the streets — at a safe six-feet distance.
“There will be no pedestrians, strollers or cyclists allowed in the car parade. Complimentary patriotic decorations for cars will be available on July 2 and 3 and cars must register to participate.
“Additionally, food donations for the Ocean Park Community Center’s Food Pantry (nonperishable, non-expired) will be collected on July 4 at the parade kickoff.
“At 5 p.m., neighbors on each block can meet for a celebratory outdoor BYO cocktail or dinner. Then at 7 p.m. the pot banging and horn blowing salute to essential workers will begin.
At 8 p.m., PAPA’s annual Fourth of July concert will stream on Facebook Live, YouTube Live and Twitch. Links to the streams will be available at Palisades4th.com. There is no charge to view the event.
Hmm…I wonder if I could qualify for the classic car parade in my shiny-red 1987 BMW 635 CSI with new wheels? (Guess I know better: I grew up in post WWII Rustic Canyon, and nothing German could become “classic” – ever.) Would be fun climb up the late giant sapote tree and watch, tho: In 1958, my Brownies troop was firing awkward clay bowls at the Rustic Rec. Center, and in the early 60s I was riding my bike to the courts for tennis lessons with “Tanny” (I dare anyone to know who that was!) Wishing a happy and hopeful 4th to all of you who have found your way to one of the last best places in America the Beautiful.