Red, white and blue enveloped Orange Avenue where over 100,000 locals and visitors convened for the annual Coronado Fourth of July parade.
A statue of liberty holding a blinding gold-colored torch that paraded each block from First Street to Ocean Boulevard was symbolic of the celebration’s significance: freedom.
“It just recognizes all the sacrifices that the Navy has made for us over the years,” said Mike Boyd about the parade he’s attended for the past 27 years.
Sporting a leather jacket atop a red motorcycle with a wide grin and square-shaped sun shades was a crowd favorite, Tom Cruise, the impersonator.
“I love seeing Tom Cruise!” said Mary Price Boyd. “The parade is definitely the highlight of the day.”
The Boyd’s live in Huntington Beach but visit annually to celebrate the holiday.
“Dave Szymanski does a great job at running the parade,” said Price Boyd.
Szymanski, 55, has been a part of the parade since he was a young boy.
“I’ve either been in the parade or setting it up,” said Szymanski about his years-long involvement.
According to Szymanski, the organizing committee began planning this parade from the moment last year’s ended.
Working towards a successful parade
Parade organizers, spectators and participants all collaborate for what translates to a family tradition for many.
George Smith, 73, said he and his son are ready to assist the parade float entrants at 6 a.m. sharp.
“My favorite part is getting it organized and ready to go,” said Smith. “It just goes by; I’ve never sat down and seen a parade.”
Smith said he has a chart to organize the 137 floats he directs as they turn the corner on Orange Avenue and First Street before proceeding to a 45-minute cruise towards the Hotel Del, a few blocks away from where the parade concludes.
“It’s good to see the community come out and support,” added Smith about the 125 volunteers and organizing committee.
George’s son, Scott Smith, 29, said this parade is all he has known. He got involved at the age of 13.
“The parade is my favorite holiday; I’ve been a part of it since I was born,” said Scott who helps overlook the equestrians participating in the parade.
“It’s been something special that I’ve been able to do no matter if I’m in school, if I start a new job, If I’m out of town,” added Scott. “It’s something I’ve always tried to get off or make time for; it’s something super important to me and our family.”
The Matson family
For the Matson family and team, listed as the fifth float in the parade entrant lineup, Coronado’s parade is also a family affair.
Hours before the parade, Amelia Elizabeth Jackson, 19, works on the mane rolls and tail buns on two horses—Chewie, an 18-year-old Clydesdale, and Jaymes, a 14-year-old Belgian.
“I love braiding and grooming the horses, it is my favorite thing,” said Jackson about the two-toned red and white ribbons she weaves into Chewie’s jet black hair using a tall step ladder.
“Preparing these guys does take a lot of work and time and really these horses do love it though,” added Jackson. “I’m constantly working to improve my braiding; I’m a perfectionist.”
Also traveling from Temecula to Coronado at 4 a.m. this year was 9-year-old Annabelle Patricia Matson, who works on decorating the horses’ feathers, or the long hair that grows by the horse’s hooves, with cornstarch.
According to Matson, Chewie and Jaymes hover at about 19 hands—or over 6-feet tall—she said.
While this is Matson’s first few times in the parade, her parents Marika Matson, 45, and Mark Matson, 53, have for the past 15 years been entrants.
“This is my favorite parade. I love this parade; this Fourth of July parade is just the best,” said Marika. “All the people here on Coronado Island, they are really welcoming, they brought their hoses out for the horses to get some water later.”
This year the Matsons paraded Orange Avenue behind the Temecula Carriage Company horse carriage that transported Vice Admiral Dan Cheever, the Coronado Fourth of July Grand Marshal and Commander of the U.S. Naval Air Forces.
“This is exciting,” said Cheever about his fourth parade in Coronado, and the very first time participating in the parade inside a horse carriage.
Cheever said the people and the hometown feel are his favorite aspects of the parade.
“I mean it’s the best Fourth of July parade ever,” Cheever said. “[I’m] just proud of our military members that are deployed during the Fourth of July away from their families, so proud of them,” added Cheever.
