Patriot's Day Parade Brings Beautiful Weather and a Large Turnout (Also: Trophy Winners)

“If any of you out there know ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’ join in,” said parade announcer Jim Rue. As the Top of the World/El Morro Elementary School’s Honors Chorus began the National Anthem, their innocent voices were joined by hundreds of onlookers, creating a moment of community and national pride—the very goal of the Laguna Beach Patriot’s Day Parade.

In its 45th year, this special event drew a wonderful turnout for both participants and onlookers, and the weather couldn’t have been better.

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” Rue told Laguna Beach Patch between introducing entrants in the parade.

With temperatures in the mid-70s, Laguna Beach Library Branch Manager Jenny Gasset couldn’t have agreed more. “It’s a perfect day for a parade,” she said.

Gasset, joined by patrons, staff members and family, were wearing extraordinarily tall and colorful balloon hats to draw attention to what the library can inspire: creative minds. The library is one of Laguna’s oldest features dating back to 1919, and has long participated in the parade. “It’s always fun to see what the other participants are wearing and how they interpret the theme,” said Gasset.

This year’s theme, “Welcome Home,” was especially meaningful to some of the people involved. Twenty-seven year Laguna Beach resident David Kuhn, who walked in the parade with fellow Vietnam veterans, mentioned a time when he did not feel welcome upon his arrival home from the war, a time when there was so much controversy surrounding the conflict in Vietnam that it was hard for veterans to live their daily lives without being harassed. Yet this parade, he said, with all the smiling faces and cheering, was a nice change and a much better welcome home.

The U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard from Barstow, riding atop some handsome horses, got a very warm welcome from the city as well. Kuhn, who participated in the parade one other year, was impressed with the “amazing turnout and especially the supportive crowd.”

Another important topic of the day was HIV/AIDS. Both of the Grand Marshals, Al Roberts and Ken Jillson, helped found the AIDS Services Foundation (ASF) and have been involved with assisting and fundraising for those affected since 1985—just as the epidemic was affecting Lagunans the most. At that time, rarely did people have the physical or emotional resources to endure this deadly disease.

Thus, to show their appreciation and represent ASF, citizens of Laguna Beach turned out in full force, with about 50 people walking the parade route in the form of ASF staff members, chair holders and volunteers.

Nathan Menard, parade participant and Chair of the Orange County Ride for AIDS, an event that benefits ASF, said “It’s my first time here [at the parade], and it’s amazing how the city embraces and honors all aspects of the community.” Bill Shopoff of the Bill Shopoff Group and top fundraiser for AIDS LifeCycle, agreed that Laguna has a great sense of community spirit.

Laguna Beach native and Athlete of the Year James Pribram knows all about the sense of community spirit Menard and Shopoff spoke of. Pribram was being honored in this year’s parade for his epic surfing career and efforts to protect the ocean. Nineteenth on the parade lineup of over 100 participants, Pribram said “There is no greater honor than being at home in this parade and celebrating with the people of Laguna.”

Cheering on this surfing legend, as well as the rest of the participants, were Sue and Mike Sanders, dressed in red, white and blue. The 28-year residents of Laguna Beach live along the parade route and have long enjoyed the festivities. “We come out every year and sit and let the town walk by,” said Mike Sanders. “It’s outstanding.”

2011 LAGUNA BEACH PATRIOTS DAY PARADE TROPHY WINNERS:

Grand Marshal’s Trophy: Laguna Beach Girl Scouts

President’s Trophy:  Y Adventure Guides

Band Association Sweepstakes: Oaks Middle School, Ontario

Elementary School Band: Laguna Beach Unified School District Elementary Band

Color Guard (over age 21): First Place—American Legion Post 222/Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5868 Combined Color Guard

Auto—Antique:

• First: Walt & Pamela Otto
• Second: O.C. Chapter, Sons of American Revolution

Auto—Classic:

• First: Laguna Beach Unified School District Board (owner: Crevier Classic Cars)
• Second: Dizz’s Restaurant (owner: Eric Mueller)
• Third: Mission Hospital-Laguna Beach

Auto—Contemporary:

• First: Rotary Club of Laguna Beach
• Second: Laguna Beach High School Alumni Association (owner:  Steve Fazio)
• Third: Laguna Beach Community Clinic (owner: Jim Roy)

Floats—Community/service:

• First: Laguna Beach Garden Club
•  Second: Transitions Laguna 
• Third: National Children’s Study

Floats—Youth:

• First: Pacific Marine Mammal Center
• Second: Boy Scout Troop 35/Cub Scout Pack 35
• Third: Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

Floats—Commercial:

• First: Pageant of the Masters
• Second: Laguna Beach County Water District
• Third: H.I.P. District

Novelty—Community/service:

• First: Y Adventure Guides
• Second: Laguna Beach Girl Scouts
• Third: AIDS Services Foundation

Novelty—Commercial:

• First: Mel Jackson Fitness Thru Dance