The barbecue fires have banked down and the sulfur smell of fireworks is gone but the memories of America’s 247th birthday celebration live on for LCOC members and car buffs everywhere.
In many communities around our Western Region local Independence Day parades returned to full prominence in 2023 after a few years of cancellation or Covid-subdued observance. Southern California was no exception. Communities such as Huntington Beach, Villa Park and Lake Forest sponsored parades and our classic cars were in demand.
In Lake Forest I joined with Just Having Fun, a local group of eclectic car owners entered in the parade who specialize in community service car events. Our day began with fog and mist and a small fear the day would duplicate Memorial Day parade conditions in nearby Laguna Woods where a steady drizzle rained down on our open vehicles and dampened decorations leaving (fortunately removable) stains on the cars. Luckily, conditions steadily improved on July 4 and by parade time we were bathed in glorious sunshine.
Hot rods, classics and kids were there in equal numbers with holiday-inspired decorations and attire limited only by their owners’ imaginations. What a day! There was a palpable joy in participants and spectators alike, where festooned vehicles totally delighted onlookers.
Enthusiastic flag-waving crowds of all ages included many young families, most with tiny tots sporting their red, white and blue outfits, lined the entire parade route. And our animal friends were not forgotten. Many spectators brought their dogs, and a mini horse with a puppet monkey rider ran alongside the cars and amused the crowd. Look carefully behind the bikers in the photo below and you’ll spy a donkey who was also part of the fun. Mind you, I was driving, waving a small American flag at the crowd and shooting photos along the way. Not easy, but the parade’s walker’s pace made it all possible.
Hopefully, your July 4th was a day of celebration with family and friends too. Call it corny, but I began my day rereading the Declaration of Independence in its entirety, remembering those 56 signers at the Continental Congress who sweltered in the heat in Philadelphia in late June and early July debating and compromising, only to come to a unanimous conclusion that “these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States…” They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to make that independence a reality. We can never forget the wisdom and courage of those founders and the 25,000 patriots who lost their lives in that fight.
Summer car show season is now in full swing with numerous events scheduled around our Western Region. We’ll be announcing a few involving LCOC after our board meeting next week. I hope you are out there enjoying your cars, family and friends, and the great weather.
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