Sonoma, Kenwood celebrate July 4 with parades, fireworks

The oldest continuously occurring Independence Day parade in America is the one in Bristol, Rhode Island. Originally occurring under the academic title “Patriotic Exercises,” the very first 4th of July procession in the U.S. took place in 1785, nine years after the Declaration of Independence was first presented.

Compared to Bristol's 235-year-old tradition, Sonoma's own 53-year-old parade and associated “patriotic exercises,” and Kenwood's 40-something-year-old parade, are mere whippersnappers.

But being young and frisky certainly won't stop local residents from lining up in droves this year for what have become two of the most popular, highly anticipated events in the area. Each parade has its own personality and customs, reflecting the specific place, people, and history of the Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Celebration

Start time: 10 a.m. (Plaza events last until 5 p.m.)

Parade location and route: Sonoma Plaza, beginning at Spain St. and First St. E. (Streets closed beginning 8:30 a.m. on July 4th; no parking allowed after 8 a.m.)

What to expect: Sponsored by the Sonoma Community Center, this year's parade will honor the centennial of author Jack London. The competitive parade, with Grand Marshal Marcello Defreitas, welcomes a panel of distinguished judges who will be handing out prizes for exceptional entries. Those procession-traveling participants - along with a few notable car-riding dignitaries – are expected to include fiddlers, Boy Scouts, local veterans, motorcycles, side-cars, classic cars, dancers, gymnasts, a crew of Irish sailors, an array of colorful surfboards, a procession of flags, folks dressed like Jack London and other historical figures – and some friendly waves from Miss Sonoma County and Supervisor Susan Gorin.

Other events: In addition to various food vendors and game booths within the Sonoma Plaza (don't miss the Boy Scout's “Salami Toss” attraction), the sky will light up with rockets' red blare when the Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association presents its annual firework spectacular over Gen. Vallejo's Field, at the north end of Third Street West. Fireworks should get underway shortly after 9 p.m.

Kenwood 4th of July Parade

Start time: 10:30 a.m.

Location and parade route: Around Kenwood Plaza Park

What to expect: Floats, boats, bands, goats, classic cars, local veterans stretching their legs, hiking clubs marching in unison, go-carts, and possibly a unicycle or two.

Other Independence Day events: Following the start of the 29th annual Kenwood Community Church Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Redwood Empire Runners Club holds its popular 45th annual 3K and 10K Kenwood Footrace. Immediately after the 10:30 a.m. parade, the Rotary Club will host its annual BBQ and Family Fun event in Kenwood Plaza Park.