A few photos from the 10th Annual Santa Monica 4th of July Parade

Celebrate home and country at the 10th Annual Santa Monica 4th of July Parade on Independence Day, Monday, July 4,, 2016. Founded and produced by the Ocean Park Association (OPA), the parade is enjoyed by folks of all ages, whether you are an entry in the parade or one of the thousands of spectators along the route.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Pico Blvd and Main St. in Santa Monica, the parade proceeds south on Main St. to Marine St. and heads west along Barnard Way to beach parking lot #5. Nearly 10,000 people were involved, as participants and/or spectators, in last year's parade and "this year promises to be grander than ever," according to parade chair, Jeff Jarow.

Participants: Parade participation can be as loosely structured as people wearing matching t-shirts or as beautifully decorated as a float with amplified musicians.

From antique cars to cyclists, marching bands, dancers and more, you'll see the red, white & blue in all shapes and sizes. The participation price is $25 and the deadline to submit an entry is June 20th.

Spectators in their red, white and blue show up on the day of the Parade to sit on the curbs along Main Street and watch the fun, wave their flags and cheer on the parade entries. Walk, cycle or bus to the parade. Come early, hit a coffee shop or breakfast and be ready to cheer on the parade entries.

Volunteers are invited to help during pre-parade setup, during the parade and post-event tasks. If you are an entrant in the parade and want to assist before or after, the parade organizers will work with your schedule.

Please visit http://www.santamonicaparade.com/ for participation/entrant, volunteer signup and sponsorship/donation information.

This is a wonderful community celebration and the Ocean Park Association is pleased to have produced it for ten years. For more info on OPA, a local neighborhood group, go to: opa-sm.org.