4th of July in Monterey

The 4th of July is a special holiday and one that the federal government can’t mess with. They consolidated and moved other holidays to a Monday, but the 4th is the 4th and will be forever. Monterey has a special place in American history and is a great place to celebrate. Our natural air conditioning from the ocean provides relief from the sweltering heat. Cool temperatures, cool minds.

If you’re an early riser, Monterey firemen prepare a pancake breakfast at the Pacific Street Station. There are a few things firemen are good at; putting out fires and making pancakes.

Downtown Monterey has their annual parade with more than 75 entries. The parade is staged on Hartnell Street by the post office. It starts on the corner of Munras and Alvarado Streets, makes a left on Del Monte and another left on Calle Principal ending up back at the staging area. Up to 20,000 people come out to watch the festivities. This is the eighth year that Old Monterey Business Association has organized the parade.

Colton Hall is the place to be after the parade. A landmark in our city which was once the

capital of Alta California and is where California was born. There will be food vendors, games for the kids and music. A well-organized event with a small town feel. California’s first Constitution was drafted in October 1849 in the meeting room at Colton Hall.

As the day rolls on, you can catch an exciting tribute “165 years of John Philip Sousa” performed by the Monterey Pops. This annual concert is at the acoustically perfect Golden State Theater and it’s absolutely free.

Did someone say fireworks? The City of Seaside did and residents on the Monterey side of Laguna Grande said, “Not in our neighborhood.” City officials should have looked over the fence to see what was over there before announcing their plan to shoot off fireworks so close to them. Good news. Instead of scrapping the project, they moved it to Bayonet and Back Horse Golf Course. This is the same place where it was held last year.

It may seem like a long day but with a little planning, you can attend all five of these events without being on OCD overload. Give yourself plenty of time and either walk, ride your bike or take MST.

Unlike larger cities where you’re just a face in the crowd, you’re likely to see your neighbors, probation officer, coworkers, friends and ex-boyfriend somewhere during the day. Only in Monterey!