Three skydivers started the parade. Scott Smith was last on the ground, carrying the American flag. There were crowds of people on Sunset cheering for them as they landed.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
The Los Angeles Daily News wrote on July 5 that “Actors Steve Guttenberg and Danny Trejo and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna will be among the participants in parades in Los Angeles County Thursday marking Independence Day.
“Guttenberg will be the grand marshal of the 76th Pacific Palisades 4th of July Parade, which will begin at 2:05 p.m. on Via de la Paz at Bowdoin Street, preceded at 2 p.m. by skydivers landing on Sunset Boulevard near Swathmore Avenue.
“The theme will be ‘Happy Days in the Palisades.’
“Army Lt. Gen. Steven Gilland will ride in the parade. Gilland is superintendent of the United States Military Academy, a position once held by Douglas MacArthur.
“Guttenberg was Pacific Palisades’ honorary mayor from 2002-06. He is best remembered for his roles in four “Police Academy” movies, “Three Men and a Baby,” “Cocoon” and “Diner.”
Guttenberg and the General both started their day with the Will Rogers 5/10K Race through the Palisades.
After the race, (left to right) former American legion Post 283 Commander Jim Cragg, Betsy and Lt. General Steve Gilland and Steve Guttenberg met at the Legion.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT
Afterwards both were at Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283 and were happy to chat with reporters and pose for numerous photos.
Then, it was the 76th Annual Palisades July 4th Parade. Three skydivers, Tom Falzone, Scott Smith and Annie Helliwell, jumped from a small plane 3,000 feet above Pacific Palisades to make a perfect landing at Sunset Boulevard and Swarthmore, signaling the start.
This is the third year that the American Legion Auxiliary 283 has given two $500 prizes. One is given to the float judged best in the parade and the second is given to best use of the theme. All floats are eligible and judged on the parade route.
This year’s winner, for the second year in a row was Resilient Palisades, a nonprofit that addresses climate and ecological crisis. The group has helped gift at least 50 electric yard blowers to gardeners to replace the gas blowers.
The best use of this year’s parade theme was the Veterans Gardens/Palisades Bocce Club. The more than 965 members were represented by about 50 marchers and autos carrying additional bocce players. The emphasis with this group, which encompasses all ages, is community and fun – Happy Days in the Palisades.
Some dogs were clad patriotically.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
The Patriotic Pups, sponsored Paws N’ Claws, were once again a crowd favorite. Marchers received bandanas, dog “poop” bags, water and a collapsible water bowl. Following the Pups was a group of “homeless” dogs that volunteers were hoping to place in foster or forever homes.
All pooches received a banner for being in the parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
Volunteers carried the banners that announced parade sponsors and upcoming entries. The Palisades High School football team, which has just started summer conditioning, once again offered their support to the community by carrying the banners.
Palisades High School football players carried banners in the parade.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
Also, on the course carrying banners were members of the Palisades High School ambassadors. Only one out of ten applicants is accepted into the highly competitive group, which is made up of 40-45 sophomores through seniors There is a three -step application process to become an ambassador, including a written application, video application and eventual interview with the 6-member cabinet and Dr. Pam Magee, PaliHI’s Principal/Executive Director, who is the supervisor of the group.
Mike Lanning, who was Parade Marshall in 2019 and is Scoutmaster of Troop 223, is surrounded by the Scouts he mentors.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN
A special shoutout to Palisades Americanism Parade Association President Matt Rodman, who has volunteered for this job since 2018 and to volunteer Daphne Gronich who not only volunteered as a president from 2015-2017, but has additionally served as treasurer for 11 years.
After an exciting parade, a nap was in order.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT/CTN