Alameda is getting ready to shut down the streets and throw itself a birthday-palooza on Saturday, July 4, when the city’s 3.3-mile Independence Day parade steps off at 10:00 AM. The long-running event, billed as the nation’s longest July 4 parade, is expected to feature more than 150 entries and pull in roughly 60,000 spectators. This year’s march pulls double-duty as a milestone celebration, marking both America’s 250th birthday and the Alameda Fire Department’s 150 years of service.
Grand Marshals And A Farewell Lap
The city has tapped U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon as this year’s honorary grand marshal, while Fire Chief Nick Luby and the Alameda Fire Department will lead the parade as grand marshals in honor of the department’s 150th anniversary. City officials also note that Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft will be out front for her final parade after eight years in office. These details come from an official city release, as outlined by the City of Alameda.
5K Runners Get First Crack At The Route
The festivities actually begin earlier with the Alameda July 4th Parade R.A.C.E., a point-to-point 5K that starts at 8:30 AM and benefits the Midway Shelter for Women and Children. Organizers are rolling out a new free post-race shuttle to ferry runners back to the starting line so they can stick around for the parade. The course cuts through the Park Street business district and finishes near Webster. Race details and registration are posted on RunSignup.
Street Closures, Towing And Transit Detours
The city is warning drivers to clear all vehicles from the parade route by 4:00 AM on July 4 to avoid towing, and many streets along the route will begin closing around 7:00 AM to make room for both the race and the parade. AC Transit and other services will run detours and use alternate stops through much of the morning, which will shift usual pickup points and schedules. A rundown of bus detours and towing guidance is available at the Alameda Post.
Getting There: Ferries, Parking And Big Crowds
With tens of thousands of people expected, the city is nudging visitors toward public transit and ferry service to dodge holiday gridlock. The San Francisco Bay Ferry has published participation details and schedule guidance for the Fourth, and riders should expect heavy foot traffic around the Main Street terminal, plus a moderate walk or bike ride from the ferry stops to the parade finish at Webster Street and Central Avenue. Holiday service suggestions and timing are laid out on the San Francisco Bay Ferry page.
Need-To-Know Basics: Restrooms, Maps And Contacts
The city has rolled out a full parade program, route map, and portable restroom locations along the course, and is directing parade questions to [email protected]. For safety concerns, people are asked to call the Alameda Police Department’s non-emergency line at 510-337-8340. The official parade page also includes a detour map, road-closure reminders and other day-of logistics. Photos featured in city materials are credited to Maurice Ramirez. The complete program and all maps are posted by the City of Alameda.
Many of these details first surfaced on the city’s social channels, where the City of Alameda’s official Facebook post pulls together photos, the program link and quick updates. For any last-minute tweaks and on-the-ground images, keep an eye on the City of Alameda.
