Overview:
Thousands are expected to attend this year’s Fourth of July parade, and festivities are happening all over the island. Be prepared and plan your day with these tips from Dave Szymanski, local board member and parade chair.
From the fireworks to the parade horses, there’s a lot to see and do during a Coronado Fourth of July.
Whether you’re a Coronado local or visiting the island for the day, it is important to plan ahead. So, here are some tips from Coronado Fourth of July board member and parade chair Dave Szymanski to get the most out of your day.
Szymanski was born in Coronado and has lived in the Crown City for most of his life. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became involved in the parade at an early age. His father, Andrew Paul, had been on the committee for more than half a century before he had to step down. And that’s where Szymanski stepped up in 2005.
Here’s Szymanski’s advice for the day:
- For visitors: Take the ferry
Parking will be limited and to avoid waking up at the crack of dawn to find a spot, Szymanski said to take the trolley to downtown San Diego, or park a car on the mainland, before riding the ferry over.
- For all: Plan out your parade spot
To get prime parade real estate on the Orange Avenue median, Szymanski recommends being there by 4:30 a.m., a little bit before spots will be first-come, first serve at 5. Staking spots the day before is not allowed. If you can’t get a median spot, there should be space on sidewalks and additional streets the parade will go through. Take a look at the parade map for more details on the route.
- For all: Bring your bike
Some streets in Coronado will be closed to cars. Bring your bike to navigate the island.
- For locals: Extend a helping hand to parade participants
There will be a wide range of parade units – aka parade participants. From the marching bands to the equestrian groups, Szymanski encourages everyone to show them the Coronado community spirit. Feel free to leave out apples and manure buckets for the horses. Get to know the horses’ riders, share food recommendations and help them get to know the city a little more.
- For all: Check out the post-parade events
Swing by Star Park for the Adrian Empire Demonstration and San Diego Star Wars Society Photo-Op. Or, grab some food from the vendors at Spreckels Park. The Frog-X Aerial Demonstration is happening at 2 p.m. at the Coronado Golf Course.
Plus, three concerts will be taking the stage at Spreckels Park after the parade. The lineup includes Katleen Dugas, who will be singing Disney songs for the kids, the Coronado Concert Band and Detroit Underground. There’s a lot to do and see before the fireworks start at 9 p.m.
For more information, visit https://coronadofourthofjuly.com/schedule/
