PHOTO: Employees and friends from Aldina Real Estate wave to the crowd at the annual Fourth of July Parade in Watsonville this afternoon. (Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
WATSONVILLE — People lined Main Street from Freedom Boulevard and all the way past Watsonville Plaza Wednesday afternoon for the annual Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade.
A Watsonville tradition for generations, the parade featured close to 2,100 participants from about 100 various local businesses, organizations, teams and other groups, all gathered to celebrate the country’s Independence Day.
“I love being here, seeing all the different people and floats go by,” said Daniel Castillo, who had taken a seat on the barrier surrounding one of the plaza’s old cannons.
Marla Courtney of Prunedale, who sat with Castillo, said she used to view the parade regularly in the 1970s and 1980s — but it had been a while since she’d last attended.
“I have a farm, so I especially love seeing horses and anything farm-related,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
This year’s grand marshals were Pajaronian Publisher Jeanie Johnson and S. Martinelli & Co. CEO John Martinelli, who showed off the company’s newly restored 1932 Ford Model B delivery truck.
A young boy hugs a parade participant dressed up as Miguel from Disney/Pixar’s “Coco.” Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian
Before the first part of the parade had made it to the end of Main Street, 9-year-old Manny Rivas of Salinas was already enthusiastically throwing poppers down against the pavement, to the delight of his two younger cousins from Watsonville.
“I’m excited,” he exclaimed. “Parades have lots of colors and noises.”
A favorite of younger parade-goers seemed to be Luigi’s Mascot Rentals, who had an assortment of characters high-fiving and posing for pictures with kids. A good deal of children ran up to hug the character Miguel from Disney/Pixar’s “Coco.”
Groups such as the California Conservation Corps, Saint Patrick’s Parish and the Freedom Lions Club made appearances in this year’s parade. Numerous sports leagues and teams also marched — including Watsonville Wildcatz Cheerleading and Freedom Taekwondo.
The parade wasn’t only enjoyed by the local community. Two visitors from Hungary, who just happened to hear about the parade online, attended as well.
“This is our very first time in America,” said Kristof Nagy, who along with friend Hajnalka Adanyi waited for the event to begin in front of Watsonville Yoga. “And it’s on the Fourth of July. It’s cool how many people are here. We’re excited to experience the holiday.”
A traditional Mexican dance troupe dazzles the crowd at the Spirit of Watsonville Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian
