APTOS — By 9 a.m. on Tuesday, two blocks of Soquel Drive were already packed with spectators, eagerly anticipating the start of the annual World’s Shortest Parade in Aptos.
Some people had even claimed their spots on the sidewalk the night before.
“I think it’s getting more and more popular every year,” said Marte Kupps, who has been attending the parade for the past 10 years with friends. “But it’s obvious why. This parade is special. It’s got that ‘Little Town USA’ feel to it.”
Watsonville Community Band led Aptos’ Fourth of July parade with patriotic tunes. Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian
The parade, which begins every year at the corner of State Park and Soquel drives and ends at the Bayview Hotel in Aptos Village, has been a tradition for the past 56 years. It began in the 1960s as a celebration of a successful protest against a proposed development in the Village. It was then adopted as a way to celebrate Independence Day.
While the parade has evolved over the years, many Aptos residents say the sense of community has continued to remain strong.
“This is a really great way for everyone to come together,” said Brian Groves of Aptos, who attended the parade with his two young daughters. “We try to make it every year.”
The Watsonville Community Band kicked off the parade at 10 a.m. A long procession of school groups, individuals, organizations and businesses followed.
This year’s theme, “America: Your Land, My Land, Our Land,” was utilized by many of the participants. Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz serenaded the crowd with a rendition of the classic folk tune “This Land is Your Land.”
Enthusiastic spectators would often recognize friends and family who were marching in the parade, cheering when they passed.
But locals weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the event.
George Rios of Sacramento had traveled to Santa Cruz to spend the holiday with his in-laws.
“They kept telling me about this parade I had to get up early for,” Rios joked. “I’m glad I did. This is what Fourth of July is all about.”
A group of local 4H members wave to parade spectators. Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian
The World’s Shortest Parade attracted huge crowds to Aptos on Tuesday. Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian
A local Brownie Girl Scout troop show off their decorated bikes. Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian
