By Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
It’s going to be a red, white and blue 4th of July this year in Alpine!
For the first time in years the community is putting together a parade and carnival to celebrate the nation’s 241st anniversary of its Declaration of Independence.
Everyone is invited to the event, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Alpine, the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce and the Alpine Community Center.
By Jo Moreland
Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
For The Alpine Sun
It’s going to be a red, white and blue 4th of July this year in Alpine!
For the first time in years the community is putting together a parade and carnival to celebrate the nation’s 241st anniversary of its Declaration of Independence.
Everyone is invited to the event, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Alpine, the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce and the Alpine Community Center.
“Our community needed this kind of thing to bring it together and to celebrate our nation,” said Kiwanis President Pene Manale, overall coordinator. “I’m really excited!”
Manale is still seeking sponsors for parade expenses, such as paying for the California Highway Patrol officers, portable restrooms and other essentials.
Volunteers are needed on the Fourth to help with the parade and carnival.
The county requires that owners or occupants of residential or commercial property along the Alpine Boulevard parade route, between West Victoria Drive and Tavern Road, need to sign a county petition approving of the road closure on the holiday.
“About 80 percent have signed so far,” Manale said.
Hilde Hinchcliff, who organized Alpine’s former Crown Hills 4th of July Parade, is in charge of the new parade. Hinchcliff is hoping for as many entries as possible from families, businesses, organizations and groups throughout Alpine and the Mountain Empire.
“Of course we want people to decorate their entries in red, white and blue,” Hinchcliff said. “That’s our only requirement. Families, businesses, community organizations and other groups can participate.”
It doesn’t cost anything to register for the short march, which lines up at 8:30 a.m. on West Victoria Drive near Alpine Boulevard.
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. down the boulevard. It ends at the carnival at the Alpine Community Center at 1830 West Victoria Drive. To register at no charge, call (619) 659-8707.
Local World War II veterans Bill Ridenour and Fred Higginbotham are the parade’s grand marshals. Both men, who are in their 90s, have helped get many names of military veterans on the Wall of Honor in Alpine.
“They’re both true patriotic Americans who know what we stand for,” said Kiwanian Dan Foster. ”Bill and Fred are both members of the Wall of Honor Committee.”
For safety’s sake, no candy or other items can be tossed to parade spectators.
The march ends at the carnival at the Alpine Community Center Park at 1830 Alpine Blvd.
A bounce house, dunk tank, games and children’s activities; a Knights of Columbus barbecue and a beer garden will be at the carnival.
Vendors and entertainment, a petting zoo, a live band and food for sale are also planned.
“The carnival’s free, except for the booths,” said Manale. “We’ve got a lot of cool booths for the carnival. The Alpine Outlaws will do some Wild West shows. Dannie Marie will sing country music.”
Booth space is $10 for nonprofits and $25 for everyone else. Organizations are encouraged to have game and refreshment booths to make money for their groups.
For parade and carnival booth registration or for more information, call (619) 659-8707, (619) 659-8727 or (619) 445-2722. Applications are also available at the Chamber office in the Alpine Regional Center, Ste. 208, 1620 Alpine Blvd.
