Nearly 600 Arcadians, Ronald McDonald, and a pair of Chinese dragons will be showcased in more than 70 classic cars, unique vehicles, equestrian and marching units presented by 30 different local groups in the first Arcadia community parade in at least 75 years at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2.
The parade on First Avenue between Duarte Road and Huntington Drive — it begins at Alice Street (north of Duarte Road) and continues to California Street (on north end of First Avenue Middle School) — will kick off the inaugural Arcadia’s Best Patriotic Festival. Staging for parade entries will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot on the south side of Alice Street across from the Arcadia Presbyterian church. All entries are encouraged to be in place as early as possible to ensure your position in the parade.
The parade will be followed from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with a street fair on First Avenue from California Street to Huntington Drive featuring a community car show, 10 gourmet food trucks, live musical performances, and vendor booths. Vendors may begin arriving and setting up at 8 a.m.
Parade entries (alphabetically as of June 11, 2011):
American Legion:
• American Legion Arcadia Post 247 – with Jan’s Tow truck entry • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 247 about 30 marchers • 40 & 8 Baldy Vouiture 104 – with Locomotive (truck looks like train)
— The Forty & Eight is committed to charitable and patriotic aims. Our purpose is to uphold and defend the United States Constitution, to promote the well-being of veterans and their widows and orphans, and to actively participate in selected charitable endeavors, which include programs that promote child welfare and nurse’s training.
The titles and symbols of the Forty & Eight reflect its First World War origins. Americans were transported to the battle front on French trains within boxcars stenciled with a “40/8”, denoting its capacity to hold either forty men or eight horses.
The Forty & Eight was founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from France. Originally an arm of The American Legion, the Forty & Eight became an independent and separately incorporated veteran’s organization in 1960. Membership is by invitation of ALL honorably discharged veterans and honorably serving members of the United States Armed Forces.
Arcadia American Little League All-Stars • 40 children, 20 adults led by a 1972 Volkswagen “Thing”
Arcadia Association of Realtors • 1909 Model 60 Packard carrying 2011 AAR President Paulina Lee
Arcadia Chamber of Commerce • Robert Hoffman, President • Citizen of the Year, Sho Tay and wife Sherry
Arcadia Chinese Association: • 5,000 years of Chinese history portrayed in 30 costumed marchers
— ACA, which was established in 1980 and became a public benefit organization 501 (C3) in 2007, has played an active role in supporting our community such as City Hall, the Police Department, the Fire Department, Arcadia City Library, the Historical Museum, Arcadia Education Function, Arcadia School District, Methodist Hospital, American Red Cross, and Boy Scouts of America. ACA has also volunteered in many events in our community, including Arcadia Law Day, Senior Citizens Appreciation Luncheon, Spring Festival at Westfield Santa Anita, Arcadia City Employee Appreciation, and holding city council election candidate forums.
ACA’s main objectives are: to promote the learning of Chinese culture, history, language, literature and arts; to support the educational, charitable and literary activities and events in Arcadia; to bridge the cultural gaps and maximize the harmony and benefits of an ethnically diverse community; to assist the understanding of American culture, tradition, citizenship, and community values; and to support community