Carlsbad Art and Culture

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On Saturday, July 2, 2011, live music, floats and walking groups followed the long trail of palm trees along Oceanside’s Coast Highway during the annual Oceanside Independence Day Freedom Parade.

To celebrate this year’s theme, “The Spirit of Freedom”, combat vehicles crept down the heated asphalt while the cloudless sun attacked with mid summer rays. 5,000 onlookers also enjoyed live performances by the El Camino marching band, celebrity guests and a wave of whistles following a mobile 25ft. American flag.

The highway was closed to vehicles, but pedestrians baked in the sun as they followed their favorite business sponsors, novelty acts and other local organizations. Bessie’s Cafe (232 S. Coast Highway) and other nearby restaurants invited the community to take a seat and and enjoy the parade over brunch.

The less mobile crowds sat in lawn chairs and on curbs for the 2 hour duration and complimentary flags were given out by the ‘Oceanside Main Street’ event organizers. The parade began at the 101 Cafe at the Coast Highway at Wisconsin Avenue and concluded at City Hall.

With a parade themed with the spirit of freedom in Oceanside already in the books and a full 4th of July beach day in Carlsbad still awaiting, the chance of another unforgettable Summer holiday is as much as a shoe in as the taste of grilled meat, the sent of sunblock and the sounds of July 4th fireworks.

How do you celebrate the 4th of July weekend?