Yesterday, we went to Sierra Madre’s Fourth of July Parade. It’s a small town parade with a plenty of feel-good moments and red, white and blue. I am not sure if this guy was an official parade entrant, but he closed the parade out in fine style.
This year’s parade honored hometown heroes — who else but firefighters who answered the call to stop the Eaton Fire. With each fire truck, rescue truck and even a bulldozer from the LA County Fire Department, the crowd cheered with appreciation.
Sierra Madre, named for the mountains that loom to the north, knows a lot about wildfires. And they appreciate those who fight the fires. Reminded me of the 2008 parade, which followed the Sierra Madre Fire of that year when more than 500 acres above the city were burned over several days of fire. I remember the huge ovation the Sierra Madre Fire Department got as they wer e named Grand Marshalls of the parade.
The parade included firefighters from Sierra Madre, Cal Fire, Pasadena, Arcadia, LA County and US Forestry. All received loud cheers.
Of course, seeing all the different fire companies reminded me of the Eaton Fire and all the firefighters and others who came to help. Firefighters and others came in from distant cities and even other states to help.
Of course, the parade featured Sierra Madre standards like the Sierra Madre City College, the Rose Parade float and the Uknown Band.
Just one tractor this year. One.
Lots of politicians were given rides down the parade. Thankfully they moved along at a nice pace. I do, however, want to give a special East of Allen hat tip to the newly named Mayor of Arcadia, Sharon Kwan. Mayor Kwan had the good grace to share her ride with Perdy Peacock, official mascot of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association. That’s a nice touch — a little humor and both aptly dressed in July 4th attire.
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