When it comes to 4th of July events, Orinda’s “Best Hometown Parade,” has a little bit of something for everyone. A pancake breakfast, fun run, flag-raising, live music, and of course, the parade – all bring a celebratory spirit to the streets of the community.
The tradition dates back to the mid-1980s, around the time of the city’s incorporation, when the idea was hatched by former mayor Bobbie Landers.
The event is a culmination of months of planning, right up to the last minute.
January ~ February: New Year, New Plans
“We start in January,” said Sally Hogarty, The Orinda Association (OA) president and parade chairperson.
The first months involve recruitment of event captains to handle decorations, equipment rental, The OA float, Run for a Reason and the pancake breakfast. The list is long.
Dipping into March, the parade theme and Grand Marshal considerations are made. This year Earth Kindness is the theme and the Grand Marshal is Friends of the Orinda Nature Area.
Hogarty said the theme reflects how important it is to preserve our environment and our planet.
“It seemed appropriate to have a group which does just that as our Grand Marshal this year,” she added.
March: Marching Forward
Along with the advent of spring comes confirmation of a parade co-chair and committee volunteers. Advertising in The Orinda News and Lamorinda Weekly is secured, the website is set up and fundraising begins.
Funding for the parade comes from a combination of contributions from a few local families and “quite a few of the local businesses which have given us grants,” said Hogarty. “We’ve received funds from some clubs, so it’s just like the whole community puts in.”
Parade costs fluctuate depending upon the need for new banners and flags and how extensive the activities and entertainment are. Since the pandemic, the cost ranged between $21,000 and $28,000, according to Hogarty.
“This year, we’re at the high end [of costs] because we had to purchase new banners and the cost of helium for the balloon arches, etc., went way up,” Hogarty explained.
April: Preparations in Full Motion
Monthly meetings with the committees help track all aspects related to the parade and what those involved may need, said Hogarty. The BART parking lot is secured for parade staging at this point.
Permits, insurance and communication with governmental entities are secured.
Former 4th of July parade chairperson, Andy Radlow (2014 – 2018), leads the staging area and parade route operations. Typically, there are between 45 and 55 parade entrants said Radlow, with as many as 60 in some years.
As planning moves along, the event’s reliance on volunteers lends to a “growing sense of urgency and energy,” said Radlow. The final two weeks reveal a flurry of participants who want into the parade and some opting to drop out.
Including committee members, parade volunteers number more than 80, said Hogarty.
“Most all the bands in the parade have participated in the past,” said Jacalyn Buettner, who oversees the music. Bands are selected according to their style, said Buettner, who aims for those exhibiting “high energy, an upbeat, good vibe, foot tapping, [making] you smile and just feel-good groove. I don’t want to see anybody yawning.”
Performers on tap for the day include St. Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band, MJ’s Brass Boppers, the Orinda All-Volunteer Marching Band and the ever-popular stilt walkers.
“This will be the biggest we’ve had since COVID-19,” said Buettner.
May: More to Do
Inventorying the storage unit is completed. How many banners need to be replaced? Do we have enough yard signs? The planning committee meets with the Orinda Police Department, Parks and Recreation and Public Works.
During the event the police close the parade route streets, as well as freeway exits directly affecting the parade and Parks and Rec and Public Works are “all over, helping us,” said Hogarty.
“What makes this parade happen for The Orinda Association is its partnership with the city,” she said.
June: Just a Month to Go
Decorations, yard signs and tents are pulled from their storage unit and washed or replaced as needed. Large banners are hung at Theatre Square and the BART overpass. Parade banners and flags appear throughout the village. Volunteers deliver posters around town.
Steve Harwood, a parade announcer, has been involved with the annual celebration over 25 years. He emcees the flag raising and provides sound equipment for venues associated with the parade.
The planning process involves lining up fellow announcers, the singers for the Lamorinda Idol entry, hiring professional support for sound and reserving trucks to carry equipment.
One week prior to showtime, Harwood compiles a binder containing detailed information on each parade entrant for the announcers to use.
July: The Moment Arrives
It is July 3. The eve of the big day. The park gazebo is decorated. The BART parking lot is transformed for the parade order. Trucks deliver bleachers and port-a-potties.
Before the sun rises on The Day, teams are readying road barriers and participant tents. The events unfold according to a detailed schedule.
Food trucks will be in front of the community center with live music and two beer booths in the Community Center Park. Beer is offered by the Orinda Rotary and the Orinda/Tabor City Sister Foundation, which features Czech beer.
“It’s a wonderful day to celebrate all the people in Orinda who are doing wonderful things in the community,” said Harwood. “It’s a wonderful day to celebrate the freedoms we have in our country.”
Andrea Madison can be reached at drea.madison.05@gmail.com.