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Saturday, Jul. 05, 2008

Thousands turn out to salute the troops in Modesto's annual July 4th parade

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Marching bands, motorcycles and Model A's were among the 100 or so sights to see in this year's Fourth of July parade through downtown Modesto.

One group offered free hugs, while others tossed candy to a crowd that Modesto police numbered at 5,000 to 7,000 people Friday morning.

Children were center stage at this year's event. Some twirled batons. Others performed in traditional Chinelo dance costumes. Still others played in an orchestra bound for the Summer Olympics in Beijing later in the summer.

"It's not the Fourth of July if we don't see the parade," said Kathy Parks, who attended the event with her husband, Bill. Both are Modesto retirees. "It sort of brings out the best of Modesto."

The parade was one of several large events planned for the day, which included a picnic and live music at Graceada Park. The day ended with fireworks at John Thurman Field; California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock; and other cities around the region.

Parade organizer Vincent Sandoval III of the Modesto Jaycees said he couldn't have been happier with the event.

"There were absolutely no snags at all. If there's ever a perfect parade, it was in 2008 in Modesto," he said. The Jaycees have run the parade since the early 1970s, he added. "The city of Modesto, and the Police and Fire departments, were wonderful to work with."

Sandoval said he also was pleased with this year's attendance, which he thought was closer to 20,000.

"The streets were filled," he said. "Usually on 17th Street when you make that right, usually that's when the parade entries are done. This year there were people in the next block waiting."

Based on current events, it wasn't hard to choose this year's military theme, he said.

"With the war dragging on, we needed a little boost, and what better way than a parade?" he said. "When we selected our grand marshal, who's a World War II veteran, it all fell into place. And the entries were wonderful. They really took the theme and they showcased it for us."

Jim Sanders was this year's grand marshal. Sanders, 83, rode near the front of the parade in a red Corvette, waving to the crowd. Many of the floats included people in military gear or holding signs in support of the troops.

One girl, wearing silver sneakers and a blue dress spangled with stars, blew bubbles as her little sister looked on. Their mother, Glafira Villalobos of Modesto, said it was the girls' first time at the event.

"We've never been to the parade since I had them. My oldest had no idea what a parade is. She thought we were going to the store," Villalobos said of her daughter, Isabella, 3½.

Aleena Mota, 10, wrapped herself in a blanket on the sidewalk to stave off the wind.

"It's just so surprising what you see," she said. "One time I saw a blown-up beer bottle in the sky."

Along the route, kids played cards in a truck bed. Vendors sold U.S. flags and snow cones covered in red, white and blue syrup. Ice cream sellers jingled along the sidewalk, enticing children even in the breezy weather.

"It's a great celebration," said Carl Ott, 82, of Modesto. "We have to be patriotic. One nice thing is this cool weather. I've been here when it was 104, 105 degrees."

Ott recalled parking his truck on the street at 4 a.m. to get a good spot when residents were allowed to watch the parade from the road.

"Modesto was probably 25,000 population," he said. "It's unreal how Modesto has grown."

Meredith Ferguson, 42, of Modesto said she'd missed just two Fourth of July parades since she was 7. When she was younger, she recalled, there were more floats and more people walking and riding bikes.

"Look at all this gas they're wasting," she said. "I remember when the tractors would pull the floats."

She said it seemed the event was becoming more family- friendly and she was happy to see more children in the parade. She said this year's theme, "The Land of the Brave, America's Defenders," resonated with her.

"I like it because they're supporting our troops," she said. "It shows the kids why we can be free, why we get to sit here. Nobody teaches that to the children anymore."

Ferguson's friend, Tracy Sousa of Modesto, chimed in.

"The Fourth of July is not just about fireworks and swimming and parties," said Sousa. "It's the independence. We're all here in unity. It's like Veterans Day. It's not just a day off."

Bee staff writer Emilie Raguso can be reached at eraguso@modbee.com or 578-2235.