subject: NOVATO, CALIFORNIA'S FORTH OF JULY PARADE TOPS THEM ALL [print this page] NOVATO, CALIFORNIA'S FORTH OF JULY PARADE TOPS THEM ALL
Novato is the largest and northernmost city in Marin County, which is the county that greets San Francisco at the Golden Gate. Sometimes it's referred to as the red-headed step-child of the county, famed for a laid back, wealthy lifestyle, of rock stars and self-help seekers and people who really, really love their dogs, and endangered species of just about any kind. Novato has all that, but on a more practical level. Novato is the most fantastic small town-big city in the world, and it's a destination most tourists do not find, without a little luck, which I am providing today.
On the Fourth of July, the town turns out a spectacular parade that brings thousands of locals and those lucky tourists mentioned above, to the main street on Grant Avenue. I think every one of the 50,000 residents that live in this small town-big city have participated in the parade in some fashion. There is an armada of World War II vintage jeeps and tanks with a fly-over of aircraft, there's 100 marching Bassett hounds, 100 marching pugs, karate teams, pre-schools, dancing schools, marching bands, farmers on tractors and the horsemen's club in full regale; the politicians in vintage cars, fire engines and more so much more.
Everyone turns out and finds a special spot after the pancake breakfast that is the official start. In a while, the line waiting to march slows down to a halt on the street parallel the activity, and you can catch the action and meet up with friends at either location. Everyone wears red, white and blue and corny is cool.
One year, when my kids were hitting those embarrassing pre-teen years, a friend sincerely asked us to march in the parade on behalf of the local genealogical society. The five of us braved the heat and cheered the crowds while pushing a 95 year old grand dame in her wheel chair, waving pieces of 95 year old laurel plants, and playing again and again "our song" on the boom box, " I Am My Own Grandma," which you would have to hear to comprehend. Last year, my eldest daughter, now 25, rode with the Mayor on the back of a classic 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible. It's all for the day, all for the city, and all for the people of Novato.
I own a film and video production company and in honor of this great town, produced a video on the history of Novato, http://www.novatohistory.com . Also, with a local insurance agent and long time resident, friend and stellar musician, we created a music video based on his song about Novato, " That Kind of Place," http://www.zanmedia.com/content.htm?mov=thatkindofplace.mov. Check them out and see if this town meets your idea of fun!
If you live in the San Francisco area, this is a parade you won't want to miss. If you are traveling to Northern CA, add this to your itinerary you will not regret it.
