Feel a Parade Coming On? Novato's Fourth of July Event Will Be a Whooper

Are you getting stars and stripes fever? That must mean the Novato Fourth of July Parade is rounding the corner.

The 19th annual parade is just a few days away and nearly 100 entries are confirmed, organizers said. Although it’s too late to sign up to participate, it’s not too late to mark it as a priority on your family calendar or to volunteer.

Those who attend every year will swear that it’s one of the best reasons why Novato is a great place to live. They get up early, set up their lawn chairs and blankets at their favorite spot along the route, head to the fundraiser Buckaroo Breakfast in the parking lot or a local restaurant, then enjoy the pre-parade entertainment for a few minutes before the 10 a.m. parade start time.

Are you new to town? You just have to experience the parade. About 15,000 people line Grant Avenue from Reichert in the east part of Old Town to Seventh Street on the west end. You’ll see your friends and neighbors enjoying themselves as spectators or waving at you Queen Mother-style from a float. The team of announcers has a great time pointing out all the annual favorites and giving the old guard a hard time just for fun.

Another benefit of getting downtown early is to see the jugglers, balloon artists, unicyclists and musicians such as Petaluma Pete and Banjo Dave Marty. It really ramps up the anticipation for main event.

The children of Novato will be the honorary grand marshals this year. Schoolchildren will have a special place at the beginning of the parade with a cross-section of kids getting to ride on a motorized cable car to get the crowd in a patriotic mood.

Entries this year include several perennial crowd favorites such as the thundering herd of basset hounds, comedy-tinged marching groups, color guards, decorated horses and their snappily dressed riders, sleek and shiny vintage cars, dance troupes and cultural groups like mariachis and Irish pipers. Elected officials, honored guests and other dignitaries show their holiday spirit and dozens of local businesses promote their goods and services.

Let’s not forget those who have served our country. Although it’s not Veterans Day or Memorial Day, no doubt the Fourth is the most patriotic holiday we have, and the vets are always due for a sincere tribute. In fact, all military veterans are invited to join the parade and ride in style. (Call 897-5845 before June 27 to take part; Disabled veterans will be accommodated.)

The antique military vehicles from Joe Garbarino’s collection won’t be part of the parade this year, but there will be flyovers from a vintage biplane, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter, a unit of vintage Nanching fighter planes and a massive U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane.

Want to burn off some calories to start your day? Consider the Firecracker 4, a four-mile road race presented by Tamalpa Runners that starts at 8 a.m., and the Mayor’s Mile family walk/jog in downtown that starts at 8:05 a.m. Twenty percent of the proceeds for the Firecracker 4 will to to School Fuel this year. Entry fees are $25 for the Firecracker 4 and $15 for the Mayor's Mile; both start at the intersection of Seventh Street and Grant Avenue. You can register as early as 6:45 a.m.

The parade would not happen at all without 20 core volunteers who work year-around to plan and orchestrate the proceedings. But don’t forget that it takes dozens more parade-day volunteers to pull it off. Helping hands of all ages are needed to help staff street closures, assist with staging, post signs and banners, sell refreshments, monitor the parade route and clean up afterward.

Are you willing? Call 899-8900, e-mail volunteer@novatoparade.com or check novatoparade.com.

Remember, teens: You can get community service hours for this. Don’t forget about those required service hours to graduate from high school. Recruit your friends and support one of the most anticipated local events of the year.

See you at the parade …