OCEANSIDE — Oceanside will be celebrating Independence Day and the city’s anniversary with a week of celebrations.
The Freedom Days Parade will be held June 28.
More than 100 entries will march down Coast Highway 101 from Wisconsin Avenue to Civic Center Drive. Parade entries include horseback riders, marching bands, classic cars and vintage military vehicles.
“The Oceanside Independence Day Parade has been held since before 1900, it’s a fabulous tradition,” Cathy Nykiel, MainStreet Oceanside Sunset Market manager, said.
“It’s a true red, white and blue parade.
“Spectators need to come prepared to watch in proper attire of red, white and blue.”
True to tradition, American flags will be passed out to parade watchers by Friends of Oceanside Parks to add to the patriotic spirit.
The highway will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The parade begins at 10 a.m.
On July 3 fireworks will be launched from El Corazon Senior Center for the city’s anniversary.
The viewing area for fireworks is Rancho Del Oro Drive at Oceanside Boulevard. A section of Rancho Del Oro Drive will be closed to traffic to allow spectators to gather to watch the fireworks display.
Fifteen food trucks will be serving hotdogs, cupcakes and other goodies. There will also be live music before the fireworks begin.
Event-goers are encouraged to arrive before 9 p.m. and bring lawn chairs. No seating is provided.
This is the second year a fireworks display has been held at El Corazon. Last year 10,000 spectators attended the event, which celebrated the city’s 125th anniversary.
El Corazon’s high elevation allows fireworks to be seen from most locations throughout the city.
Area roads will be closed at 6 p.m. and reopened after 10 p.m.
On July 4 beach-goers are advised to arrive early.
Streets between Breakwater Way and Wisconsin Avenue will be progressively closed as parking becomes full.
Extra police officers will be on patrol to ensure safety.
“For city personnel it will be all hands on deck for the day,” City Manager Steve Jepsen said.
“I encourage residents of Oceanside to come downtown who haven’t been in awhile to check out how things have been improved in the area, enjoy the beach and have a good time.”
Also on July 4 the annual Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade will motor around Oceanside Harbor from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Boats will be decked out in patriotic decorations. An awards ceremony will follow the parade at Oceanside Yacht Club.
Updates on events, road closures and parking will be posted on the city website at www.ci.oceanside.ca.us.
