Face painters kept parade goers looking festive at last year’s celebration in the park.
When the last colorful float has passed and the last notes of the Orinda All-Volunteer Pick Up Marching Band have faded at the Fourth of July Parade, it’s time to head over to Community Center Park for a plethora of activities.
This year, the Orinda Association has collaborated with the Parks and Rec Department to organize lots of fun activities, music and food for all ages. Parks and Rec Director Todd Trimble and his staff have been busy for months organizing the popular event which begins at 11:30 a.m. with classic and contemporary rock songs by Three Day Weekend.
Children will find plenty to occupy their time including a jump house with a slide and a petting zoo. Caricaturist Big Al returns to thrill people with his creations while balloon twisters will create a variety of objects and animals. Of course, those wanting to sport some facial art can visit one of the face painting booths.
To add to the fun, children’s activities, including arts and crafts, will take place at non-profit booths such as Lamorinda 4H Rocketry, Global leadership Initiatives for Youth, GLIFY and Friends of the Orinda Creeks.
Young scientists will want to make a stop at the 4H rocket making booth. “The kids make rockets with paper and colored duct tape and get to launch them,” says Lamorinda 4H volunteer Scott Stewart. “If made correctly they can go over 200 feet high. The kids love this because they can be very creative and get a cool looking rocket to take home.”
Adjacent to the park, City Council members, representatives from the Joaquin Moraga Adobe, Republican and Democratic parties, Contra Costa County Clean Water Program and many more local clubs and organizations will welcome visitors to their booths. A speed boat, to be auc5tiond by Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, will be on display as well.
Trimble urges everyone to “bring your family, your friends, your pooch, a picnic and don your favorite red, white and blue attire for the day. There also will be food to buy such as hot dogs, American and Czech beer, water and soft drinks, and Loard’s Ice Cream.”
The busy Parks and Rec director also notes the support from Orinda’s Department of Public Works and the Police Department, along with the “invaluable” help from Orinda Association Parade Chairpersons Bill Waterman and Diane Lautz, as well as Kathy Enzerink and Cindy Powell.
“The Fourth of July is an Orinda tradition that not only celebrates Independence Day but also celebrates and creates ‘community.’ It is a happy day of events that truly has something for everyone,” Trimble says.
Orinda Boy Scouts ensured flags were held high as they marched down Orinda Way in 2018.
