WATSONVILLE
With a theme of Stars, Stripes and Strawberries, the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade is set to start at 12:30pm on Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Church and roll along Main Street to the Watsonville Main Branch of the Post Office.
Jessica Beebe, Recreation Supervisor at Watsonville Parks and Community Services, said there are 65 entries this year, including Watsonville Community Band, classic cars (Watsonville Impalas and others), and several equestrian groups. The grand marshal this year is the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. Beebe added that people are encouraged to wear attire that aligns with the parade’s theme.
There are no fireworks planned at Watsonville Municipal Airport, which is saved for Fire in the Sky in September. Food booths and arts and crafts tables will be set up along Peck Street from 10am to 3:30pm.
APTOS
The World’s Shortest Fourth of July Parade at Aptos begins Tuesday at 10am. Put on by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, the parade starts at State Park Drive and winds along a short section of Soquel Drive to Aptos Village County Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road.
The theme this year is Honoring California State Parks and the grand marshal will be the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
Highlights of the parade include Watsonville Community Band, classic cars, local businesses, Aptos High Cheers and more, according to John Hibble of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.
The party that follows in Aptos Village Park runs from noon to 4pm with family activities, including games, food, beverages, craft vendors, and dancing to the band James Durbin and The Lost Boys for a $5 donation.
