HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Even before the sun rose Saturday, a sense of celebration and pride could be felt throughout Huntington Beach.
As classic cars and military vehicles arrived to take part in its 4th of July Parade, streamers and other decor in red, white and blue hung from shop windows and street signs.
For 122 years, the city has hosted the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi.
ABC7 will broadcast the parade live at 10 a.m., hosted by David Ono, Jovana Lara, Marc Cota-Robles and Michelle Fisher in the video above, on ABC7 or wherever you stream Eyewitness News.
Laura Herzog was just one of the people who arrived early to prepare for the day’s festivities.
She will be behind the wheel of a 1949 Willys Jeepster, carrying this year’s parade grand marshal, Southern California radio personality Tim Conway, Jr.
The vehicle is adorned with an American flag motif and the names of every service member who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Herzog said it’s a roving tribute that mirrors the memorial wall at Riveter Park in Long Beach, a project supported by Herzog’s organization, Honoring Our Fallen, which aids the families of fallen service members.
“Freedom is not free,” Herzog said, pointing to the names on the Jeepster.
“To roll through the beautiful streets of Huntington Beach on our 250th birthday, it’s a privilege. I hope they stop and read those names and remember, enjoy your barbecue, but we celebrate because of those who paid the sacrifice for the very freedom that we have.
After the parade, you can catch the annual Independence Day Festival at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The day culminates with a spectacular fireworks show over the pier at 9 p.m.
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