Hundreds of Thousands Celebrate America’s 247th Birthday at Huntington Beach Parade

With countless Star-Spangled Banners flying everywhere from eaves and bikes to hats, Huntington Beach welcomed back its 119th Fourth of July Parade celebrating the country’s independence, freedom, and people from all walks of life.

Debuted in 1904, the parade has been the longest-running July Fourth parade west of the Mississippi and a cherished tradition among Orange County residents.

“I have been watching the parade since 1972,” Kristin Thompson, who was born and raised in Huntington Beach, told The Epoch Times. “You can’t miss it. It’s part of our tradition for everyone to gather here together and enjoy the Fourth of July.”

The parade stretched more than 2.5 miles—starting on Pacific Coast Highway and passing Huntington Beach Pier before going onto Main Street—and featured various float displays and over 100 different local groups and organizations including military veterans, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, marching bands, elected officials, and many others.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered along the streets to watch the all-ages welcome parade, with some arriving hours ahead to find prime spots.

“It’s very family-oriented. It’s a lot of fun and very patriotic,” said Huntington Beach resident Amy Hoover—she and her husband Jeff Hoover brought their two daughters and dog to watch the celebration. “It makes you feel proud to be part of the United States.”

Their 13-year-old daughter, Addy, said her family has been watching the parade in person since 2004 and it was their first time bringing their dog.

“It brings everybody together for the Fourth of July,” she said. “I like seeing the dancing horses. It’s nice to see the different [cultures].”

Doris Zavala, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, was also part of the parade alongside others that fought for the country. The group received massive cheers from the crowd thanking them for their service.

A small business owner from Norco, California, Kristine Ramirez, said it is amazing to appreciate the veterans’ contribution through the parade.

“I especially enjoy the veterans coming through and seeing them, and I love seeing all the red, white, and blue and seeing everyone come together to celebrate our Independence Day,” said Ramirez, also a member of the American Legion, a veteran service nonprofit.

Dressed in bright yellow, adherents of the spiritual practice Falun Gong marked one of the highlights with their colorful and peaceful procession.

Michelina Palmer, a Falun Gong practitioner from San Diego, told NTD Television that the parade was a great reminder that America champions freedom and human rights while such may not be imaginable in China, where millions of practitioners have been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since 1999 due to the practice’s popularity.

“Falun Dafa represents truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, and it’s such a powerful message not only for Americans but also for the world,” Palmer said. “It’s what the world needs right now.”

As many local residents join the festivities right at their doorsteps, some spectators traveled from other parts of California.

Scott Hollyfield, an attorney coming from the Bay Area with his family, said it feels good to come back to the event after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a great excuse for people to get together and hang out at the beautiful place,” he said. “I like all the Shriners and the cool cars they are driving.”

The parade is part of the city’s five-day celebration of Independence Day. According to Huntington Beach Police Department, approximately 500,000 people attended the July 4 events including the parade, Surf City 5K, and fireworks showcase.