It Takes a Village
I love July. It’s a special month, not just because my birthday is the 12th and the weather is usually fabulous, one of my favorite holidays takes place – the 4th of July.
This patriotic day has taken on special meaning for me since becoming co-chair of the Orinda parade two years ago. I have photographed “The Best Hometown Parade” for The Orinda News for many years, but to oversee it is a new and exciting level of involvement.
An incredible number of dedicated residents have been meeting and planning this event for many months. As sponsor of the parade, The Orinda Association (OA) thanks them for their tireless efforts in making this parade a fun activity for the community.
A very special thank you to the generous donors who truly make the parade possible, including Steve and Tish Harwood, the Graue and Bloes family and the Pease family. More appreciation goes to the families and businesses for purchasing the beautiful banners, designed by Lisa Burlini, which are seen throughout town. Their names are listed in the July 4 section.
We are grateful to The Orinda Community Foundation, Park and Rec Foundation and to our local businesses – Chevron, Mechanics Bank, Republic Services, Village Associates and Berry Brothers. Without their monetary support and in-kind donations, the parade and concert in the park afterwards would never happen.
The OA is thankful for the wonderful partnership with the City of Orinda. The Police Department makes sure the Fun Run and parade stay safe and Public Works and Parks and Rec personnel assist with so many things, too numerous to list. In addition to everything they usually help with, Parks and Rec’s Todd Trimble and Steve Ehrhardt coordinated the food
trucks this year.
We’re thrilled to have Orinda Rotary’s beer booth and Tabor Sister City Foundation’s booth (serving Czech beer) and we love starting the day with Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary’s pancake breakfast, assisted by Orinda Rotary members. And, if this isn’t enough, Orinda Rotary’s Yassodra Sudra volunteered to coordinate tables for non-profit groups in front of the Community Center.
As I look over this message, I realize how many diverse groups and people come together to celebrate this special holiday. It truly takes a “village” to make the 4th of July parade and concert happen.
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sally@orindaassociation.org.
The Honor Guard will once again lead Orinda’s 39th annual 4th of July Parade while holding The Orinda Association banner listing some of the many parade sponsors.
