In Pasadena’s Historic Highlands and Madison Heights and nearby in Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and San Marino, Independence Day 2024 is set to be remembered for a series of parades that are as diverse as the communities they represent.
The day’s festivities kick off in Sierra Madre, where 100-year-old Helen Reece will serve as grand marshal. Known for serenading passersby with her accordion outside the Baldwin Avenue Gallery, Reece exemplifies the city’s criteria for this honor: long-term contributions to the community.
Sierra Madre’s parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Sunnyside Avenue. The procession will wind its way through the city, concluding at Rancho Road. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed online at villagevine.weebly.com.
In Pasadena’s Historic Highlands neighborhood, residents will gather at 10:30 a.m. for their 30th annual Fourth of July parade. This grassroots celebration has grown from humble beginnings in 1994 to become a cherished local tradition. The parade is set to step off at the Howard Street Triangle.
South Pasadena follows suit with its Festival of Balloons parade, starting at 11 a.m. The procession, themed “Hometown Heroes: Celebrating the Spirit of Community,” will commence at Mission Street and Diamond Avenue and culminate in Garfield Park. An opening ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the South Pasadena Library.
Madison Heights in Pasadena will host its own parade starting at 11 a.m. This event boasts serious star power, with actors Ron Perlman and Allison Dunbar serving as Grand Marshals. The husband-and-wife team, known for roles in productions like “Hellboy” and “The Sopranos” respectively, will lead the procession from Euclid Avenue and Fillmore to Euclid Avenue and Glenarm.
The Madison Heights parade welcomes participants on various modes of transport, including trikes, bikes, scooters, and wheelchairs. A block party will follow, featuring a Pie ‘N Burger food truck, games, crafts, and free ice cream for children.
San Marino rounds out the day’s events with its “4th of July Independence Day Parade-Palooza.” This approximately 1.5-mile procession is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. on Monterey Road, proceed to Virginia Road, and pass through Lacy Park.
