San Jose’s Rose, White and Blue parade returns for July 4

What could be more American than celebrating Independence Day with lowriders, lucha libre, skateboarders and classic cars?

If Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were around today, I’m pretty sure they would think watching lucha libre wrestling in a church parking lot would be the perfect way to celebrate America’s Independence Day. And that’s just what they would see Thursday if they were at San Jose’s Rose, White & Blue Parade, a holiday tradition that continues to grow.

When the parade was launched back in 2008, it was partly a tribute to the old Fiestas de las Rosas parades of San Jose’s past. What’s been great about watching this event grow into a can’t-miss Fourth of July celebration is how it has become a real showcase of the city’s cultural diversity.

The parade, which starts at 10 a.m., will be preceded by a lowrider cruise down the route from from Lincoln High School on Dana Avenue to Naglee Avenue and then east on The Alameda. The parade itself, of course, includes units from all walks of life in the Santa Clara Valley. There’s the stuff you expect — vintage automobiles, Scout troops waving flags, a kilted pipe and drum band, and elected officials riding in convertibles.

But there also are roller derby skaters, Vietnamese pageant contestants, samba and folklorico dancers, Sikhs handing out bottles of water to the crowds and a kids bike brigade — and that’s just a small slice. Once again, the parade announcer will be Miss Sweet Nothings, a drag performer who’ll be stationed on a grandstand on The Alameda.

You’ll find just as much culture at the post-parade festival, too. The festival is after taking a year off. Food trucks will be parked along the Alameda between Hester and Hanchett avenues. And, a bevy of performances — ranging from the Little Gym of Stevens Creek and the Valley Baton Club to Valverde Dance and Chinese Performing Arts of America — will take place every 15 minutes in front of Westminster Presbyterian Church starting at 11:45 a.m.

The church parking lot is where Pro Wrestling Revolution will stage its lucha libre matches, alongside face painting and skateboarding lessons. What could be a more American way to celebrate Independence Day?

FIREWORKS FRENZY: Don’t forget there isn’t a fireworks show at Discovery Meadow in downtown San Jose for July 4 this year. But there will be a fireworks display at Almaden Lake Park for the ninth year, and East San Jose will get its first fireworks show at Lake Cunningham Park as well.

The city of Santa Clara, meanwhile, has moved its Fourth of July celebration from the traditional location at Central Park to Mission College. There’s a great view from the campus of Great America’s big fireworks show. And the San Jose Giants are hosting two nights of fireworks, sponsored by the Rotary Club of San Jose, with a post-game show on Wednesday and another display Thursday night following a ticketed country music concert at Excite Ballpark. Alma Avenue, outside the stadium, will be closed between 10th Street and Senter Road for people without tickets to watch the fireworks.

Just remember, it’s better and safer to go watch the pros light up the sky on the Fourth. Too many people end up injured and too many fires start every year when amateurs decide its more fun to be dumb.

RUNNING FOR HEALTH:  More than 2,500 people participated in the fourth annual Stars and Strides run in downtown San Jose. The 5K, 10K and kids’ fun run — presented by Bloom Energy and Tarana Wireless. It also was a great event for the Valley Health Foundation, as race founder and Tarana Wireless executive Carl Guardino presented Valley Health Foundation Executive Director Michael Elliott with a big donation check for nearly $250,000.

Of course, the bigger thrill for everyone else was when a Sheriff’s Department helicopter landed at Discovery Meadow, bringing along healthcare heroes and two superheroes, who probably appreciated not having to fly themselves.