‘Splash Zone’ etiquette and other 4th of July Parade rules

The Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade’s beloved “splash zone” returns this year after a brief drought-driven respite – and with the weather heating up, the timing couldn’t be better.

While it’ll definitely be a splashtastic addition to the parade, the volunteer firefighters – with input from the Sonoma Police and other city officials – offer a few simple “splash zone” rules to help keep participants safe – and nonparticipants dry.

During the parade:

No throwing of objects of any kind from or at floats/vehicles/spectators

No walking of spectators in front of moving floats/vehicles, except stopped participants at designated controlled crossing zones

No water balloons, squirt guns or spraying of water from or at floats/vehicles/spectators

At the end of the parade for those wishing to enter the Splash Zone and get wet:

The Splash Zone is designated at the Plaza corner of 1st Street West and Spain Street only

Two fire trucks at the end of the procession will come to a complete stop on either side of the intersection

Spectators who willingly choose to enter the intersection will be lightly misted by crossing arches of dispersed fire hose spray

Children are encouraged to bring squirt guns to target firefighters

Adults throwing water balloons at firefighters and others is discouraged