WE LOVE A PARADE

WASILLA — Organizers are hoping for sunny skies today for a planned demonstration that will see hundreds march past Wasilla City Hall. It’s Independence Day, a time for patriotism and the Valley’s annual patriotic parade, which promises to be vigorous, vibrant and vocal.

With overcast skies and spotty rain Saturday, James Hastings was optimistic the sun will come out for today’s parade and picnic, which kicks off at 11 a.m. at Valley Performing Arts.

“The sun permit’s been applied for,” Hastings, Wasilla’s recreation and cultural services manager, said. “I hope it’s been approved.”

That’s good news for Lynn Carden, executive director for the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the parade each year.

“Thank God somebody did, because my request apparently didn’t go to the right person,” Carden said.

Those who make a visit to the parade part of the annual celebration of America’s independence will have more to watch this year, she said. As of Saturday, 71 applications had been submitted to participate in the parade. That’s a significant increase from the typical 35 to 40 for previous parades.

And although this is a busy election season, only seven of the applications are for politicians, Carden said.

“Historically, when the chamber has facilitated the parade, we’ve had as many as 35 or 40 participants,” she said. This year promises “more than 600 people (in the parade).”

From seniors to 4-H clubs to gymnastics and martial-arts demonstrations, there will be plenty of entertainment, she said. But with all the primping, preening and hand-waving, there’s really one star that stands out each year.

“It’s the candy,” Carden said.

Many of the parade entrants will hand out candy to eager children. While kids clamor for treats, a panel of judges keenly observe each entry to determine winners. As a former parade judge, Carden knows what makes a winning float.

“Enthusiasm, creativity and the willingness to be a part of it,” she said. “It’s the presentation, best of show, the interaction with the crowd; making the most of being in the community and having a presence are really key.”

State Sen. Charlie Huggins will head up today’s parade as grand marshal.

“He was very honored we invited him to do this,” she said of Huggins. “In fact, I just talked to him and he was heading out to get as much candy as he can get.”

For those attending today’s parade, Carden has some simple tips to make the most of the experience:

n Don’t worry about where along the route you’re able to set up or try to crowd in at the start. “We have plenty of street available, plenty of sidewalk,” she said.

n Be respectful; don’t taunt or run out to the floats.

n If you find a great watching spot at the curb, have a seat so those behind you can see as well.

n Come early.

n Bring chairs, blankets and shopping bags for the kids’ candy haul. Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, jackets or umbrellas. “Basically, be a true Alaskan and be prepared,” she said.

n Finally, when the parade has passed you by, don’t leave trash behind.

The route

Today’s Fourth of July Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Valley Performing Arts. From there, the procession turns east on Herning Avenue to Yenlo Street, then onto Swanson Avenue.

From there, it heads west back toward VPA.

Picnic in the park

Following the parade from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the city hosts its annual Fourth of July Picnic at Iditapark, Hastings said.

There will be free sno-cones, root beer floats, hot dogs and a host of other activities for families and kids.

“All the food’s free,” he said. “After the parade’s over, just wander on over. It’s walking distance and I put in the request for some nice, sunny weather last week.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.