It’s almost here.
Planning for Coronado’s Fourth of July celebration – by far the biggest event in the city that attracts 100,000 to 150,000 visitors – has been in the work for months by an all-volunteer organization.
The Coronado News visited with Coronado Fourth of July President Robert Kracht and his team to get a historical perspective of the event and to find out what’s in store for the big day.
The Coronado News will be providing numerous Coronado Fourth of July stories up to the big day and in-depth coverage on Independence Day. Keep checking at TheCoronadoNews.com for stories and information.
Here’s our interview.
74th anniversary
Q: When did this Fourth of July event start?
A: According to Coronado historian Joe Ditler, the first Fourth of July parade in Coronado occurred in 1888.
Events were periodic back then, and interrupted by two World Wars.
The annual event started in 1948, and 2023 is the 74th anniversary.
We strive to make the experience better every year.
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All-volunteer group
Q: Tell us about the volunteers. How many does it take and what do they do to help and facilitate the event?
A: It takes 80-100 volunteers and they serve in a variety of roles including assisting with lining up the parade entry groups, monitoring the streets where the horses are staged, volunteering at the information booths, decorating the grandstands, seating the VIP and distinguished guests, helping the flow of the parade, carrying banners, assisting the 15 emcees with engaging the children in games and chalk art before the parade and more.
The variety of volunteer needs is detailed on our website www.coronadofourthofjuly.com. We encourage those interested to sign up early in order to get their desired first choice of roles.
“These hard-to-come-by shirts have become collector’s items and we could not be happier about that.”
-Coronado Fourth of July President Robert Kracht on one of the rewards for volunteers.
While we know our volunteers have a love for Coronado and the community on this special day, they also get a CFOJ Volunteer t-shirt.
These hard-to-come-by shirts have become collector’s items and we could not be happier about that.
Iconic event
Q: Why should the community come to this event?
A: The Fourth of July in Coronado is iconic.
“It’s like a second Christmas for a city steeped in patriotism and military tradition.
-Coronado Fourth of July President Robert Kracht.
It’s like a second Christmas for a city steeped in patriotism and military tradition.
As a result, we have the biggest and best small city Independence Day commemoration west of the Mississippi.
Coronado Fourth of July provides free, family-friendly entertainment to the Coronado community from sunup to after sundown.
There is something for everybody.
Parade start time
Q: What time does the parade begin?
A: The 74th Annual Independence Parade begins at 10 a.m. along Orange Avenue, but pre-parade entertainment starts at 7:30 am.
Full day of events
Q: What can people expect?
A: The Coronado community and visitors can expect a full day of events.
Our signature parade leads off the day’s events, featuring equestrians, military entries, bands, and a wide variety of community and other groups.
Patrons wake up before dawn just to secure a coveted viewing spot on the Orange Avenue median; pre-parade entertainment is provided for all beforehand; food vendors offer a wide variety of treats at Spreckels Park.
Throughout the day, people flock to our beaches, parks and the best restaurants San Diego has to offer.
After the parade, the back nine of the Coronado Golf Course become event central and the largest picnic area in San Diego and prime viewing spots to get up close and personal with the Navy Leap Frogs Aerial Demonstration team.
Following the Leap Frogs, our outdoor concerts, featuring a variety of musical acts keep the fun going into the evening. We close our commemoration with a patriotic firework show, soundtrack simulcast on KYXY 96.5.
For more information go to coronadofourthofjuly.com or cfoj.events.com
Get Ready for Fourth of July!
Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day at Coronado’s Fourth of July festivities? Visit our CFOJ webpage at thecoronadonews.com/fourth-of-july/, where you’ll find all the information you need to make this year’s celebration unforgettable. Check out local hotel accommodations, restaurant recommendations, and more!
