Who doesn’t love a good parade? For all of recorded history, people have gathered to march, ride, and walk together as part of celebrations and victories.
In ancient Egypt, religious festivals included processions with statues of deities as early as 2500 BCE. Ancient Mesopotamia also held religious processions as early as 2900 BCE. The Greeks paraded to the Acropolis as part of their worship, and the Romans held processions to celebrate their military triumphs.
By medieval times, European processions included royal celebrations such as coronations and weddings. The first floats were decorated barges that floated down canals, pulled by parade marchers along the shore. Floats evolved into horse-drawn displays and then to the motorized floats we have today. People seem to keep finding reasons and ways to hold parades.
New York City boasts one of the oldest parades in the United States—the St. Patrick’s Day parade that started in 1762—as well as one of the most famous, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, which began in 1924.
Alamedans can proudly claim the longest 4th of July parade. Our parade, which began in 1976, spans a 3.3 mile route across the island, making it the longest parade marking our nation’s birthday. Now the Alameda parade begins with a 5K run and is followed by a procession of floats, cars, and marchers with well over a hundred groups, businesses, clubs, and organizations represented.
The 2025 Alameda 4th of July parade came with mixed emotions for some. In a time of great divide, many struggle to find the spirit of celebration. Others cling to the words of our Founding Fathers, determined that our country, the greatest experiment in democracy, will find its way forward. Yet none of that seemed to matter as the parade start time approached and crowds began to fill the sidewalks. The air was filled with something beyond anticipation. There was hope, determination, and joy.
Sometimes celebration itself feels like an act of defiance, and the people of Alameda showed up and showed out. Parade Judge Adrienne Alexander, a member of the Recreation and Park Commission, said that this year did feel a little different. “There was more color, more music, and more enthusiasm,” Alexander said. When the US Coast Guard Honor Guard signaled the official start to the parade, it felt as if joy were being shot out of a cannon. Grand Marshal Jeramie Andehuseon set the tone of exuberance, and Alameda Pride raised the bar.
It was a tough act to follow, but the early part of the parade moved quickly, with the stream of elected officials in an array of convertibles and vintage cars. From there the parade transitioned into civic groups, nonprofits, and various governmental agencies. The East Bay Regional Park District made a splash with their sea creature costumes and decor. Meals on Wheels partnered with Bay Area Thunderbirds for a very cool entry. The Encinal High School Marching Jets provided the first bit of live music as they rolled past. The Hornet’s entry included the nose of an F-11A Tiger fighter jet. Alameda Family Services cruised along in a California Cable Car. Friends of the Alameda Library received a warm welcome for their positive messaging on the power of reading.
And then, things got really exciting as local clubs and businesses came into view. The Alameda Vipers Basketball Club filled the street with bouncing balls and smiles all around. Whisk Creations’ Pink Pony Club was a vibrant explosion of pink and happiness with a giant whisk to keep the energy stirred up. Diablo Roofing’s live band followed by mounted horses had everyone paying attention.
And then there were bubbles, so many bubbles, as AlamedaArt.com’s colorful entry filled the air with oh so many bubbles. The St. Joseph Notre Dame Band made a big sound and got a big reaction. When you see marching waffles, strawberries, pineapples, and a hotdog, you know it’s the Alameda Food Bank—their message was “Islanders Helping Islanders.” The Gators, Alameda Aquatic Masters, Neptunes Water Polo Club, and Alameda Cycling Club all had fun entries with a lot of participants. The Alameda Christian Reformed Church tugged at heartstrings with their ASL performance of “God Bless America.” Kung Fu Studio, International Chi, and The Hub all had fans cheering for their favorite activity.
Trader Joe’s offered a giant birthday cake to celebrate the 4th of July. And the spirit of unity quickly surfaced when one of the Sikh Riders of America’s motorcycle tipped over, trapping his foot. Other riders, marchers, and even spectators jumped into action to lift the bike off his foot, and the cheers as he remounted his motorcycle were some of the loudest of the day.
The quick succession of the Trans Youth float, the Girl Scouts of NorCal, and Oakland East Bay Korean Association underscored the day’s diversity. The Cargo Bike Club made a strong statement for creativity with their board-and-video-game themed entry. From PacMan to Candyland to Mahjong, they all looked super cool. And if you weren’t already hungry, Donut Petite and Alameda Soda reminded you that it might be time for some local refreshments. Oakland Strokes, and Encinal Yacht Club Junior Sailing ended the day strong.
A shout out to Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) for organizing this huge event that brings everyone together for a day of celebration. Adrienne Alexander reminded us that they work “really, really, really hard” to coordinate such a large event. ARPD will host an Awards Ceremony on July 17 to announce winners from the various categories. But it was clear from all the smiles marching down the street and smiles watching from the sides of the street, that the big winner of the day was the people of Alameda. Whether it’s the spectacle of the floats and displays, the cultural tradition, or the sense of community, people still love a good parade.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt.
