Modesto’s Independence Day Parade draws thousands to downtown
Thousands lined downtown streets Monday for one of Modesto’s biggest annual celebrations, the Modesto Kiwanis Club and city’s Independence Day Parade.
Spectators were entertained with such parade entries as the Modesto City Schools Marching Band & Color Guard, a full array of law enforcement — including the Police Department’s traffic safety unit on motorcycles and the Sheriff’s Department — lots of classic cars, elected officials and those seeking elected office as well as a Cub Scout pack from Ceres and even a city street sweeper.
There were 83 entries in all, according to a parade official.
Monday was the 149th annual parade. It was held in honor of Terry McGrath, who died in December at the age of 82. He was a longtime member of the Modesto Kiwanis and “was a pillar of Modesto’s many volunteer organizations,” according to his obituary.
Modesto Junior College was the parade’s grand marshal. It is celebrating its 100th year as a community college and is offering free tuition and no student fees for its fall semester.
This story was originally published July 4, 2022 at 12:31 PM.
