Small Town, Big Parade: Julian Fourth of July
Last updated 9/14/2023 at 10:49am
Jolene McGowan
What a great day to celebrate the Nation's birthday with a gentle breeze and perfectly sunny weather at Julian's Fourth of July Parade.
What is said to be the "best little small-town parade in America," this year's theme for the parade was "A Century of Commitment," and was chosen in honor of the Julian Women's Club, the 2023 Grand Marshal. This philanthropic group of local women have been helping to support the Julian community since 1926.
The celebration commemorated the Nation's birthday, and saluted the men and women who have served to make our country great, both domestically and abroad.
Two weeks prior to the celebration, the parade committee decorated the town with festive bunting and flags.
Many of the pre-parade activities was enjoyed by all with performances at three different stages, history with George Washington, and a pie eating contest. The sidewalks began to fill with enthusiastic parade viewers in their best spirited attire celebrating the day in Julian.
Kicking off the parade was the annual flyover with vintage bi-planes gracing the skies. Once again, as the National Anthem played, over 100 volunteers carried the American Flag down Main Street.
Festival go-ers cheered and applauded the variety of close to 60 floats, which featured Julian businesses, Miss Julian, Miss Teen Julian, Miss Borrego Springs, Merchant of the Year Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles, Grand Marshal and Golden Nugget winner Julian Women's Club, and a crowd favorite, the Marine Corps Color Guard and Marine Band of San Diego.
The Fourth of July Parade Committee also thanked Mike Hatch for 24 years of service as the Parade Procession Coordinator.
For more information on donating, entering the parade or joining the Julian Parade Committee, visit http://www.JulianParade.com.
