The Resident
Community
Neighborhoods celebrate July 4 with picnics and parades
ByMary Gottschalk
San Jose may be among the nation's Top 10 big cities, but at least one day a year, neighborhoods throughout the city slow their hectic pace and take time to celebrate the best of Americana. On July 4, American flags typically go on display in front of homes, and neighbors gather in the streets for block parties. It's a day when residents carry on or create new traditions. This year should be no different as some neighborhoods celebrate milestone anniversaries for their Independence Day parades and others inaugurate them. Here's a look at some neighborhood celebrations.
Rose, White & Blue
parade kicks off
The Rose, White & Blue parade will be held in the Rose Garden neighborhood for the first time on July 4 starting at 10 a.m., and organizers hope it will be the beginning of an annual tradition.
More then 50 groups are expected to participate, including 10 Model T automobiles, a color guard from Boy Scout Troop 116, 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam, San Jose fire engines, members of the California State Military Reserve, U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Supervisor Ken Yeager and four members of the San Jose City Council.
A few floats are also expected, including one from the W. San Carlos Street Business Association's bed race, Westminster Presbyterian Church and The Alameda Business Association.
A float with the theme "Hope for Peace" is the work of three local families.
Moms Holly Aspiras, Anne Kemske and Jennifer Thesing, along with their six children, have been working on a small float in Kemske's back yard.
Recalling her own enjoyment participating in a parade with her father when she was a child, Kemske says, "We thought it would be fun for the kids."
Christopher Kemske, 10, is indeed enthusiastic about the prospect.
"This is my first time. I can't wait," he says. "I'm excited."
Participating along with Christopher are his brother Cameron, 9; Jordan Aspiras, 11, and her brother Trent, 7; sisters Paige, 12, and Erin Thesing, 10; and Maya Moncrief, 11. All are students at Trace Elementary or Hoover Middle school.
Children who would like to ride their bicycles in the parade will be given decorating help if they show up at 8:30 a.m. at the staging area for the parade, the parking lot across from Lincoln High School, 555 Dana Ave.
The parade will start at 10 a.m., heading down Dana to turn left on Calaveras Avenue, turning right on Park Avenue, then left on Hanchett Avenue ending just before The Alameda.
At the end of the parade a small festival will be held in the parking lot at the corner of The Alameda and Hanchett from noon to 3 p.m.
The parade is being funded by The Alameda Business Association, San Jose Redevelopment Agency, Shasta Hanchett Park Neighborhood Association, the Rose Garden Neighborhood Preservation Association and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Councilmembers Pete Constant, Madison P. Nguyen and Pierluigi Oliverio have also contributed funding for the parade.
Buena Vista
block party
The fifth annual Menker Avenue Block Party will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Fourth.
Neighbors in the Buena Vista area gather every year for a potluck, bringing a side dish or dessert for eight. The Buena Vista Neighborhood Association provides hot dogs and drinks. No alcohol is allowed at the event.
It takes place on Menker Avenue, between W. San Carlos and Scott streets, which is blocked off for the event.
Downtown
fireworks display
The San Jose America Festival turns 18 this July 4 in Discovery Meadow at San Carlos Street and Woz Way, adjacent to the Children's Discovery Museum.
The family-oriented event is free and starts at noon. There are multicultural crafts, music and food as well as a special Kidland area for younger children.
The culmination of the festival comes with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
For a complete list of performers and additional information, visit www.americafestival.com or call the event hotline at 408.841. 8411.
History Park
celebration
History San Jose's annual Independence Day at History Park provides a setting that is a step back in time, with attendees allowed to park on the grounds, 1650 Senter Road.
It's traditional to bring your own picnic, and the museum provides barbecues for those who want to grill. The trolley will be running and offering free rides. The old-fashioned evening also includes a good view of the fireworks that follow the San Jose Giants ballgame across the street.
The event is free to museum members and their guests. If you aren't a member, you can join at $35 for an individual or senior membership and $50 for a family. Call 408.918.1049 to join.
N. Willow Glen block party
On Delmas Avenue, from Fuller to Atlanta avenues, the street will be blocked off from 4 to 10 p.m. as family and friends of the North Willow Glen Neighborhood Association celebrate the Fourth of July with an old-fashioned block party. For the fifth year in a row, neighbors will gather to socialize while children play games and win prizes.
The band Jump for Joy Music will start playing classic rock 'n' roll and sing-alongs shortly after 5 p.m. A local street vendor will sell tacos and burritos, and water will be provided by Starbrite Market.
For dessert, 500 single-serve Dreyer's ice cream cups will be handed out from a vintage Dreyer's ice cream truck. Neighbors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and stay for the downtown firework display. "We have got an awesome view," said Alison England, president of the association. Families and friends are invited, but are encouraged to leave pets, alcohol and fireworks at home.
Palm Haven Parade
The Palm Haven neighborhood celebration will kick off at noon with a parade on Palm Haven Avenue in Willow Glen.
The potluck picnic will be held after the parade, where there will be plenty of food for all including potato salad, macaroni salad and chips and dip.
The parade theme this year is green, meaning Earth-friendly. "Pedal power" is expected, said Mike Borbely, chairman of the committee. This year's parade will feature neighbors, pets, children, parents and even an electronic car.
Montevideo
celebrates 40 years
Preparations for Fourth of July celebrations start early in Almaden Valley's Montevideo neighborhood, where residents often plot months ahead to unseat the previous year's reigning parade champs.
Every July for the past 40 years, the neighborhood has held a parade that attracts about 250 competitive participants representing different streets in the area. The friendly competition always includes over-the-top floats, goofy performances and bribes for the judging table.
Last year's reigning champs from Monteval Lane won for their "Life is a Picnic" float, which featured a dancing deviled egg, some crafty singing ants and other life-sized picnic fare.
This year's July 4 parade marks the neighborhood's 40th anniversary. Spectators won't be disappointed.
Organizers estimate at least half of the Montevideo Improvement Association's 500 members will participate in the parade. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Camden Avenue and Coleman Road and traverses up Camden.
Fireworks
on the Hill
Church on the Hill at 500 Sands Drive plans to have a fireworks show after dusk on July 4.
Church representatives said they have been working closely with the San Jose Fire Department to ensure safety for the event, and despite the dry weather, they plan to have a fireworks show similar to that in previous years. Personal fireworks and alcohol are not permitted.
The church's seventh annual Spirit of America event starts at 5 p.m. and will have carnival games, food, live music, arts and crafts and children's activities.
Parking will be available below the hill, and a shuttle will run to the event. Lawn chairs, blankets and flashlights are welcome, and visitors are advised to arrive before 8 p.m. The event will be closed to new arrivals after 9:15 p.m. or when the fire department's maximum capacity is reached, organizers said.
Admission is free, and $2 donations will be accepted.
For more information, call 408.265.9000 or e-mail info@churchonthehill.com.
Tiffany Carney and Linda Taaffe contributed to this article.
