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Getting Patriotic in Redwood City
Children pointed as patriotically
dressed people danced, sang,
waved and celebrated during the
74th annual Independence Day
parade in Redwood City.
Nearly 200 groups followed fire trucks from
around the state through the streets of downtown
Redwood City. Onlookers came just as festively
dressed as the performers, donning red, white and
blue clothing and waving flags.
Firefighters were center stage during the annual
parade as this year’s theme was “Redwood City
Fire Department: 150 Years of Service.” This
year’s parade started with a variety of vintage
fire trucks, dating back to the 1930s, representing
departments from San Mateo County and beyond.
Although there was a delay after the trucks
before much of the rest of the parade started,
people in the audience kept busy.
Eight-year-old Annie Stephens from Redwood
City got to the parade an hour early to set up her
lemonade stand. For 50 cents, those watching the
parade could indulge in a glass of her homemade
lemonade. It’s the third year that Stephens has set
up her stand. She sold out last year.
Stephens kept the business a family affair with
her parents, Maureen Kelly and Jack Stephens, as
her employees.
Many politicians were in Redwood City for the
annual celebration of America.
Vinnie Vierra and 4-year-old Chase Affrunti
drove an exact replica of the Ford Thunderbird
carrying Redwood City Mayor Jeff Ira just behind
them during the annual Fourth of July parade.
As the parade continued, children became
commentators.
“Look, it’s a decorated car. Look, it’s a clown.
Look, it’s a fire truck,” a little girl said to anyone
who would listen.
Those in the parade were jovial, especially the
Los Trancos Woods Community Marching Band.
The eclectic group of individuals donned red,
white and blue in unique combinations.
Music was a big part of the event, with jams
being pumped out of float speakers and played
by the bands, like the one from the University of
California at Davis, who informally wore T-shirts
and funny hats.
And, luckily for 7-year-old Maia Poltizer, there
were lots of people moving. Dancers in the parade
are Poltizer’s favorite part.
There were square dancers, ladies twirling
batons and little girls from San Mateo Gymnastics
doing flips throughout the Redwood City streets.
The event truly was a community gathering as
Little League teams, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
and even the Shriners participated.
Editor’s note: This article, written by Heather Murtagh,
appeared first in the Daily Journal newspaper.
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