Hours before the 77th Coronado Fourth of July parade, the Rotary Club of Coronado’s annual entry is honored with a ribbon.
In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the club built a 9.5-foot-tall star surrounded by two large shooting stars to mount on its float entry.
“As we put together our float, we want to celebrate the holiday, try to tie it into the theme that the Coronado Fourth of July committee has assigned for the year, but also to highlight some of the key things that Rotary does and brings to Coronado,” said Mark Fleming, chair of the Rotary’s 4th of July committee.
Fleming, councilman for the city of Coronado, said the committee brings forward a float that is “very red, white, and blue, very patriotic,” recognizing the theme of “America the Beautiful.”
The parade entry features a ‘M-A-S-H’-inspired golf cart, replicating an army Jeep from the late-1900s American war comedy-drama about a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Korea.
Flemings said rotarians involved with the club’s “Low Tide Ride & Stride” also participate as runners and bicyclists with the annual event’s shirts. Other rotarians portray the club’s beach cleanups.
Sitting on a rocking chair in front of the large red, white and blue star is Karol McClelland, the club’s president, dressed up as Betsy Ross. During the parade she pretends to sew a flag draped across her lap.
Ross is a 19th century patriotic figure credited for sewing the first U.S. flag in 1776.
In front of McClelland is rotarian Mary Taylor singing “America the Beautiful” as the float rolls on.
Annual parade standout
Fleming said roughly 20 rotarians, as well as six international students hosted by club members, are participating in the parade.
Fleming said this year’s idea was brought forward by a committee member and the group met throughout May and early June to plan.
By the 4th of July, Fleming said, more than 100 volunteer hours will have gone into planning, designing and decorating the entry. He estimates the materials, plus truck and trailer rental, cost $2,000.
Fleming said the entry also highlights Rotary’s “Flags On The Avenue,” the placement of 180 American flags along Orange Avenue’s median on 12 patriotic holidays. The display extends from First Street to the Hotel del Coronado.
According to the club’s centennial celebration exhibit, this tradition began in 1994 and symbolizes Coronado’s respect, gratitude and enduring pride in those who have served and continue to serve the nation.
Other rotarians involved in the entry include: Pat Starke (a past club president) dressed up as Uncle Sam; and Doug St. Denis dressed up as a nurse.
According to St. Denis, the ‘M-A-S-H’ vehicle and characters started in 2024 when the Rotary float featured Harry Truman and the Korean War.
St. Denis said it was a huge hit with the crowd and many young people knew about and related to the popular tv series even though ‘M-A-S-H’ has been off the air for many years.
“Like the tv series, we represented the strong bonds that are formed with those who serve together in war, including finding time for laughter and fun,” said St. Denis. “We also show how much fun we have together as Rotarians while making the world a better place.”
Fleming said the Rotary club takes pride in benefiting the community of Coronado.
“The club has a very patriotic heart and really resonates with the parade each year,” he said. “It’s something that the club takes seriously and enjoys participating in.”
According to Fleming, the club’s floats maintain a record of being first place in the parade.
“We do take some pride in putting together a float that will hopefully be well received and so that’s our goal each year,” said Fleming.
