Parades, bikes, music, fireworks, drones and "Machete'; Welcome to Independence Day 2024
District 3 Councilmember Kristina Duggan joins youngsters on Bay Shore Ave. during the annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Luca Terry is ready for the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Youngsters cross Ocean Boulevard during the annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Callum Fincher-McMurray, 10, awaits the start of the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A young girl in the holiday spirit rides along the Belmont Shore bike path at the Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Youngsters take part in the annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Young riders pedal along the Belmont Shore bike path at the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Young riders pedal along the Belmont Shore bike path at the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Young riders pedal along the Belmont Shore bike path at the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Young riders pedal along the Belmont Shore bike path at the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Young riders pedal along the Belmont Shore bike path at the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Young riders pedal along the Belmont Shore bike path at the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Youngsters gather for the 20th annual Fourth of July Kids Bike Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Red, white and blue rolled back into Long Beach on Thursday, July 4 as a pack of patriotic youngsters welcomed Independence Day in the The Great American Kids’ Bike Parade. just one of scores of parades around the Southland making Independence Day.
Tough guy star/entrepreneur Danny Trejo, actor Steve Gutenberg and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna were among the participants in events all over Los Angeles County.
After Thursday’s parades, thousands were expected to gather for after dark entertainment — mostly old-fashioned fireworks displays but with an increasing array of drone shows muscling their way in.
“We’ve been doing the bike parade the entire time we’ve had children,” said Will Terry of Belmont Shore, who brought his wife and two children to ride at 1 Granada Avenue on the beach bike path in Long Beach. “It’s a great event, great to see everyone — people and animals — and the decorations. It’s a great way to spend the Fourth of July and it’s early enough because you can stay local for this event and then go out and do other things afterwards.”
Participants were asked to bring tuna, pasta noodles, breakfast cereal or peanut butter that will be donated to agencies serving homeless men and women in the area.
“Every year it’s just so much fun to decorate the bike to go on the path with my brother,” said Terry’s daughter Reyna, “and I just really love this day and being out here for the bike parade.”
“We’re eager to start the day off celebrating fitness, creativity and patriotism and for these kids to get a sense of community and pride at this Fourth of July celebration,” said event organizer Justin Rudd.
A crowd of families watched the unveiling of life-size replicas of the nation’s founding documents at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
Visitors look at the new Charters of Freedom monument after an unveiling ceremony during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024. The display showcases life-size replicas of our Nation’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Peter Small portrays Thomas Jefferson during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024. The annual celebration included family-friendly activities including live music, face painting, crafts, bingo, and lawn games.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Visitors pose for a photograph with J.P. Hammock who portrays Abraham Lincoln during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
JB & The Big Circle Riders perform during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Youngsters compete in a sack race during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Amaya Cheney participates in a water balloon toss competition during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Jocelyn Spence reacts after a balloon douses her during the water balloon toss competition at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Brynn Spence makes a catch during a water balloon toss competition at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Visitors enjoy a musical performance during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
A youngster assembles a firecracker hat during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Youngsters compete in a sack race during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Visitors look at the new Charters of Freedom monument after an unveiling ceremony during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024. The display showcases life-size replicas of our Nation’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Visitors look at the new Charters of Freedom monument after an unveiling ceremony during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024. The display showcases life-size replicas of our Nation’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Visitors look at the new Charters of Freedom monument after an unveiling ceremony during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024. The display showcases life-size replicas of our Nation’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
A visitor looks at the new Charters of Freedom monument after an unveiling ceremony during the 4th of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library July 4, 2024. The display showcases life-size replicas of our Nation’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Thursday’s celebration was punctuated with activities including sack races, bingo and water balloon tosses.
The Library hosted the Fourth of July ceremony to reveal new, intricate replicas of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which are part of a monument spearheaded by the non-profit Foundation Forward.
The monument, called Charters of Freedom, is one of 30 similar replica installations across nine states. Foundation Forward “seeks to promote civics, education and the preservation of American history.”
The Reagan Library held several other Fourth of July festivities on its lawn, with kids in red, white and blue outfits furiously jumping forward to win sack races and sitting in the shade as firework designs were painted on their cheeks.
The Reagan Library’s Independence Day celebration typically brings thousands of attendees to the Simi Valley hills each year as they brave the July heat for patriotic fun.
Last year, a life-size bronze statue of famed astronaut Sally Ride was unveiled at the library’s annual Fourth of July event. The statue honors Ride’s legacy as the first U.S. woman in space.
Actor/Author/Restaurateur Danny Trejo waves to the crowd during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
A parade fan hold the American flag during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
The Blue Shadow Mounted Drill Team ride during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
Parade fans get water squirted on them to stay cool during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
Disney’s Frozen’s Olaf show a bit of Christmas in July with snow during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
Custom cars ride during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
Parade fans get water squirted on them to stay cool during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
Parade fans wear their red-white and blue’s during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
LAPD motorcycle drill team performs during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)LAPD
Mr. and Mrs. Washington wave to the crowd during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
A woman on a scooter wears her red-white and blues during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
War veterans from different wars wave to the crowd during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
Custom cars ride during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
LAPD motorcycle drill team performs during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)LAPD
American flags displayed during the Sunland-Tujunga-Shadow Hills Rotary Club annual 4th of July parade Thursday, Sunland CA, July 4, 2024. (Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer)
San Fernando Valley icon Trejo, meanwhile, was among the participants in the Sunland-Tujunga Independence Day Parade. Its theme was “The Magic of Sunland-Tujunga.”
Trejo is best known for his role as gadget inventor Isador “Machete” Cortez in four “Spy Kids” films and a different version of the character in “Machete” and “Machete Kills.” He is the owner of eight restaurants, including Trejo’s Tacos and Trejo’s Cantina.
Guttenberg was the grand marshal of the 76th Pacific Palisades 4th of July Parade on Via de la Paz at Bowdoin Street, preceded by skydivers landing on Sunset Boulevard near Swathmore Avenue. The theme: “Happy Days in the Palisades.”
Army Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland rode in the parade. Gilland is superintendent of the United States Military Academy, a position once held byDouglas MacArthur.
Guttenberg was Pacific Palisades’ honorary mayor from 2002-06. He is best remembered for his roles in four “Police Academy” movies, “Three Men and a Baby,” “Cocoon” and “Diner.”
Luna rode in the Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July Parade.
The parade rolled out at the Newhall Roundabout in front of Hart Park and end at Orchard Village Road at Dalbey Drive. The approximately 2-mile parade’s theme was “The Freedom to Play,” celebrating “our parks, trails and openspaces.”
The Santa Clarita City Council adopted an ordinance in 1996 banning the “propulsion” of Silly String and other substances on the parade route.
In San Pedro, dozens turned out at Angels Gate Park on Thursday for the annual ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell, which the Republic of Korea donated to the town — in honor of Korean War veterans — in 1976 while the U.S. celebrated its bicentennial.
As guest speakers and audience members recited the names of the 13 original American states, a battering ram struck the 17-ton bell, once for each state.
The Korean Bell is also rung 13 times on the first Saturday of the month; Aug. 15, which is the National Liberation Day of Korea; Sept. 17 to celebrate Constitution Week; New Year’s Eve; and Jan. 13 for Korean-American Day.
Thursday was the 47th annual Fourth of July Community Observance at the bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks.
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. State Senator Steven Bradford gives remarks at the event. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. State Senator Steven Bradford gives remarks at the event. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. Councilmember Tim McOscker gives remarks at the event. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
The Annual San Pedro 4th of July Community Observance was held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Angels Gate Park, home of the Korean Friendship Bell. The Korean Bell, one of San Pedro’s most enduring landmarks, played a key role in the ceremonial observance. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, the assembled guest speakers and dignitaries lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states. As they read the names, the representatives of the San Pedro and Korean Communities strike a battering ram into the massive bell, ringing once for each state. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)
In Redondo Beach, meanwhile, holiday revelers woke up early for the 31st annual Fourth of July 5K and Firecracker Dash. The beach city tradition, during which some folks run in patriotic outfits — or even hotdog suits — was sponsored by UCLA Health.
On the nearby Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Fourth of July holiday got off to a family-friendly start with two cities hosting events.
Palos Verdes Estates held its 59th annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration at Malaga Cove School. There was an apple pie contest, a kids’ bicycle parade and a guest speech from Heritage of Freedom honoree Mark Langill, the LA Dodger’s team historian.
Rancho Palos Verdes was scheduled to start its patriotic party at 3 p.m. at the Ken Dyda Civic Center. The civic-hosted event promised to have live music, beer, wine and food booths, as well as games and craft vendors. This year’s Fourth of July finale was set to be a massive drone show: 150 of them lighting up the sky rather than the 100 used last year.
With its designation as a “Very High Risk” fire zone, RPV has no choice but to host a drone show, city officials said in a prior interview.
But over in Redondo Beach, drones, which were used in 2023, were ditched this year in favor of traditional pyrotechnics.
After hiring a drone company last year after being unable to meet last-minute policy changes for fireworks shows over water, the sparks were scheduled to fly over King Harbor once again Thursday evening.
Despite having to pay nearly double for the barge from which the pyrotechnics are launched, the popular Fourth of July fireworks show promised to delight those watching from the coast.
The Acton 4th of July Parade bore the theme “ 100 Years of Community History.” It will begin at 9 a.m. at Banson Street and Crown Valley Road.Claremont’s Fourth of July Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at 10th Street and Indian Hill Boulevard.
The Holmby Westwood Property Owners Association 4th of July Parade rolled out from Warner Avenue School.
La Verne’s Fourth of July Parade will have the theme “50 Years of Hometown Heroes.” It began at 10 a.m. at the corner of 10th and Dstreet.
Retired La Verne Police Department Chief Colleen Flores was the community grand marshal.
The theme of Rosemead’s parade was “Celebrating The Olympic Spirit.”
Sierra Madre’s 4th of July Parade began at the corner of of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Sunnyside Avenue, ending at Rancho Road. The grand marshal was Helen Reece, a 100-year-old who often plays the accordion outside the Baldwin Avenue Gallery on special occasions. The
Valley Village Homeowners Association Fourth of July Parade served up corn dogs, watermelon, cold drinks and cupcakes.
South Pasadena’s Fourth of July Festival of Balloons parade began at Mission Street and Diamond Avenue, ending in Garfield Park. Thetheme was “Hometown Heroes: Celebrating the Spirit of Community.”
San Marino’s approximately 1.5-mile “4th of July Independence Day Parade-Palooza,” was scheduled for later afternoon.
What organizers are billing as the West Coast’s largest free Independence Day celebration was scheduled for GloriaMolina Grand Park and include 800 drones flying above The Music Center instead of a fireworks show.
The 800 drones are an increase of 300 over last year’s inaugural Independence Day drone show at The Music Center.
Fireworks shows were set to include the 20-minute display at Councilman Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza at Warner Center Park
The city of Alhambra’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Almansor Park was scheduled for 4 p.m., long before the nighttime fireworks extravaganza. Another 20-minute fireworks was planned in Marina del Rey.
Fireworks were also scheduled to follo the Major League Soccer game at the Rose Bowl between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club; the Los Angeles Dodgers-Arizona Diamondbacks game at Dodger Stadium; the Harry Connick Jr. concert at the Hollywood Bowl; and the performances by Billy Joel tribute performer Billy Nation and Fleetwood Mac tribute band Mirage at the Starlight Bowl in Burbank.
Fireworks displays were also planned at Artesia Park; Cerritos High; Rowley Park in Gardena; Crescenta Valley High in La Crescenta; La Bonita Park in La Habra; Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch; Rosemead Park; South Gate Park; Valencia Town Center in Santa Clarita; Walnut High; Westlake Village Golf Course; Friendly Hills Country Club and York Field, both in Whittier.
Staff writers Delilah Brumer and Lisa Jacobs and Photographer Howard Freshman contributed to this report
