Your weekend: Kansas by the Bay
Alameda’s main event, the annual Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade, is on Saturday, July 4. The parade should start around 10 a.m. at Lincoln Avenue and Park Street, and run until … who knows? (I feel silly even telling you about this, since chances are, you’re in the parade, so you already know. But just in case …)
Fun facts about Alameda’s parade: At 3.3 miles, ours is one of the longest parades in the nation (it’s in the map to the left). The parade, which will feature equestrians, dance troops, antique cars, floats, bands and more, draws about 20,000 spectators from Alameda and beyond. The Rev. Roger Bauer will serve as grand marshal, along with the family of Mary Kenney, who passed away last week; and deputy grand marshals are students Anjuli Sastry and William Keane (all earned the honor for their strong volunteer efforts). And organizers are hoping to raise $10,000 for school music programs.
The East Bay Express, which in 2008 proclaimed the event to be its Best Hometown Parade, called it “a bit of Kansas right here in the East Bay.”
Of course, that’s not all the Island has to offer on the fourth. Festivities kick off with the annual Alameda R.A.C.E. (or Ralph Appezzato Charity Event), which starts at 9:45 a.m. And from noon to 4 p.m., it’s the annual Jumpin’ Jivin’ Jubilee out at Rittler Park, corner of Grand Street and Otis Drive. They’ll have jump houses, games and crafts, food and music from the Strawberry Fields Mobile DJ Company. Check the Rec and Park website for prices.
