On your mark. Get set. Get ready to decorate big time for Orinda’s July 4 events.
With the theme of Together (apart), there is a virtual reverse parade, decorating contests, virtual fun run, front-yard barbecues and Noise at Noon to acknowledge and honor local, essential workers/heroes.
“We hope all Orindans will use this opportunity to come Together (apart) to share in this special day,” said Diane Lautz, co-chair of The Orinda Association’s Fourth of July committee. “Our goal is to unite the community while keeping everyone safe and sheltered with social distancing.”
Much of the celebration will be virtual at www.OrindaParade.com. This is the place to enter contests, view a photo gallery of decorations, find a link to Parades of the Past and participate in a Fun Run.
Everyone loves a parade and this year the Best Hometown Parade is an online video collage of past celebrations narrated by Steve Harwood. Grand Marshall title for 2020 is shared by all local, essential workers and heroes.
Decorate, decorate, decorate! Submit photos of decorated homes, mailboxes, fences, vehicles and businesses to the online photo gallery. There are categories for costumed people, pets and entire blocks of decorated homes to enter as a unit. Homemade signs honoring local, essential workers and heroes are part of the contest. Photos should be submitted by July 1 to jill@aspenconsult.net.
“We’re hoping neighbors will collaborate to decorate an entire block,” said Bill Waterman, Fourth of July committee
co-chair.
At noon, bring out pots, pans, cow bells, drums and any noise maker to join sirens and church bells for a celebration of noise.
“These five minutes of a cacophony of noise are to honor and celebrate our essential workers, our heroes, our city, our citizens and our commitment to staying together (apart) as we face down this pandemic,” said Lautz.
Families, friends and neighbors are encouraged to participate in community-wide, front yard barbecues.
“We think the planned July 4 celebration is a wonderful way to help unite our community,” said Lautz.
