THE OCEANSIDER – Special Edition: The Best Parade in the World July 4, 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Pioneer reached out to Jerry to see if he would share some photos from the world famous Oceanside 4th of July parade – and he did not disappoint! And we will definitely find a way to cover this parade next year. What a wonderful parade! Thanks for sharing, Jerry!

Photos & Story By Jerry Keene, Editor, The Oceansider

There’s nothing like walking through the Village on the morning of Oceanside’s World Famous Fourth of July Parade. You could tell that everyone around you had firmly set aside the stresses assaulting us in the media to focus on a celebration of nation and neighborliness. On this picture-perfect day in our slice of heaven, we took the time to breathe and enjoy the things that bring us together.

The streets were filled with children – a welcome and all too rare sight. Half of them sported parade finery and bags of candy to toss to the other half, who waited excitedly to catch it.

Sponsored by the Oceanside Neighborhood Association, the beloved parade is really three events. First, on Sunset Avenue, the marchers gather and eagerly line up in an impromptu street fair. There is laughter and clapping as each new float or costumed group arrives to make their way to the back of the queue. Puzzled drivers from out of town are politely but firmly advised to find another route and “go around.” Today, the street belonged to Oceansiders. By the time of the parade, there were nearly as many folks lined up to march as there were lined up one street over to watch it.

Meanwhile, along the parade route, the other preliminary event was underway. Longtime residents and their lawn chairs occupied prime viewing spots that some of them have claimed for decades. Among them were relatives, friends and visitors to Oceanside escaping the grueling heat in the valley. Friendships were made or renewed. Traditions were preserved. And we were all reminded what “community” feels like.

The third event is the main event, as marchers meet watchers and the fun begins. There are no rules for participating in the event – no minimum standards and no “theme” to constrain creativity. Eclectic Oceansiders are invited to bring it on – and they rose to the occasion.

Oceansiders dressed up their cars, everything from British roadsters to Volkswagen bugs.

We were treated to a patriotic trombonist and a rock band drummer. There was one float in honor of fishing and another celebrating a birthday. (Happy Birthday, Randy!).

One group even recycled their banner from the Fourth of July Centennial Parade a year ago, urging us to “Rock the Hundredth ” plus 1.” In the opinion of your friendly editor, however, the grand prize went to the group of Oceansiders who managed to craft cardboard boxes, used Levis and bungee cords into a human rollercoaster, complete with dips, turns and whoops.

The Netarts-Oceanside Fire District team did its part. Besides blocking the streets and guiding traffic away from downtown, their volunteers grilled franks for all comers. We’re told they also sold nearly $2000 worth of souvenir merchandise to the patriotic crowd.