Politics & Government

4th of July Parade: City Changes Rules to Claim Your Spot

If you set out your chairs, tape, coolers, or other place holders too soon--they'll be confiscated.

The 76th annual 4th of July Parade - "A Family 4th"- is the premier holiday parade in the region and takes place in the heart of Downtown Redwood City. The entire community is invited to celebrate this 4th of July tradition with event host Peninsula Celebration Association and the City of Redwood City.

This treasured event brings thousands of excited spectators to enjoy an incredible array of parade floats and numerous family festivities. The parade and festival are an integral part of the renaissance of Redwood City's Downtown, which is now considered the "Entertainment Capital of the Peninsula" with its many restaurants, shops, and theaters. After the parade and festival, spectators can enjoy a spectacular 4th of July fireworks show launched from the Port of Redwood City.

Community members can also opt to run in the 5K Parade Run that will benefit the Redwood City Education Foundation. Before the parade and festival get underway, everyone can kick off their 4th of July celebration with a pancake breakfast that will benefit the Redwood City Firefighters Association. Plus, the 4th of July "Go For It!" Car Show and Celebration takes place on the 2600 block of Broadway. 

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"We look forward to the 4th of July Parade - the biggest on the Peninsula," states Mayor Jeffrey Gee. "The 'Family 4th' brings all of Redwood City together to celebrate our strong sense of community, while also rejoicing in our independence as a nation."

Parade and New "Chair Policy"

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The parade begins at 10am. The route starts on Marshall Street at the corner of Winslow Street, and continues on Marshall, Main Street, Middlefield Road, Winslow Street, Broadway, and onto Arguello Street where it ends near Alden Street (see map at www.parade.org).

Due to feedback received last year, the City will be implementing a new policy for chair placement for the parade. Parade enthusiasts are allowed to place their chairs (or any barricade, cooler, tape, etc.) upon the sidewalk or street after 6pm on July 3rd, 2014. Any chairs, barricades, coolers, tape etc. placed upon the sidewalk or street prior to 6pm on July 3rd, 2014 will be removed and stored at the Redwood City Corporation Yard at 1400 Broadway.   

Festival 

The 28th annual Independence Day Festival will cover several blocks in the heart of Downtown Redwood City (parts of Broadway, Hamilton, Middlefield, Jefferson, and in Courthouse Square) starting at 9am. Filled with arts and crafts, food and beverages, kids' activities, and a whole lot of good old-fashioned family fun, the festival is the place to be on the 4th of July! Plus the annual 4th of July carnival, coordinated by the Woodside Terrace Kiwanis Club, will be in the parking lot at Veterans Boulevard and Winslow Street.

Fireworks

The 4th of July fireworks will be launched from the Port of Redwood City. This wonderful show is brought to the community by the City of Redwood City with presenting sponsorship by RocketFuel Gives Back, and generous support from Facebook, One Marina - the Pauls Corporation, SARES REGIS, Informatica, San Mateo Credit Union, Recology, and the Port of Redwood City.

The fireworks extravaganza will start at approximately 9:30pm. The fireworks can be seen from areas where there is a clear view of the skies above the Port. For those coming to the Port, early arrival is highly recommended; this area is mostly private property with very limited public parking.

The Port is providing a public viewing area along the waterfront off of Seaport Court. Once all of the very limited public parking spaces are filled, Seaport Boulevard will be closed to all vehicle traffic at the intersection of Seaport/Blomquist. Once the intersection has been closed, no vehicle access to the Port area will be available. This traffic control restriction could occur as early as 7:30pm, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Alcohol is prohibited on-site at the fireworks show, and personal fireworks are illegal at all times in Redwood City.

Pancake Breakfast

Each year, the Redwood City Firefighter's has a great time feeding the public at Station 9 (755 Marshall Street) on the morning of the 4th of July. Last year the Firefighters fed almost 1,000 people. The Firefighters turn on their grills at 5:00 AM, and start serving the public at 7:30 AM. Cost is only $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Come enjoy a fun breakfast that goes to a good cause.

Parade Run

Join 1,200 runners and walkers in Parade Run which starts early in the day and follows the parade route for a full 5K race. Proceeds from Parade Run benefit the Redwood City Education Foundation, which has been working since 1983 to enrich and advance education opportunities for all students in the Redwood City School District. More information can be found at www.paraderun.org.

Overview Schedule
  •  Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #9 - 7:30 - 10:30am  
  •  4th of July Parade/Run - 8:45am 
  • Car Show - 9am 
  • Festival - 9am
  • Parade - 10am
  • Fireworks - 9:30pm   

Parking and Public Transportation

The County Garage, located at Veterans and Middlefield, has 797 FREE public parking spaces on weeknights, weekends and holidays. So, park here if driving to the parade. AND this FREE parking is less than a five minute walk to the heart of Downtown! Also don't forget that Caltrain and SamTrans stop in Downtown Redwood City.

The Peninsula Celebration Association's Family 4th is also an opportunity to volunteer and be part of making this event a great success. Go to www.parade.org and click on "Volunteer!"

Get all the 4th of July details at www.parade.org.

Information submitted by City of Redwood City

 



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