Several thousand people lined Loyola Boulevard on Tuesday, July 4, to celebrate Independence
Day with a parade of musical groups, civic organizations, Loyola Marymount University’s men’s
and women’s basketball teams, L.A. County Lifeguards – this year’s grand marshal – and various
elected officials and business leaders.
“The energy along Loyola Boulevard was something special again, as so many in our community
came out in their red, white, and blue to celebrate,” said Chad Maender, president and CEO of
the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce. “The LAX Coastal Chamber 23rd annual Fourth of July
Parade was another remarkable celebration of our business community along with so many
wonderful organizations that are the fabric of our local community!
This year’s theme, “Ultimate Summer,” was celebrated by nearly 50 entries in Westchester’s
largest event, organized by the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored by LMU.
“The Fourth of July at LMU is not only a great time to celebrate our country but it’s also been
awesome to see Westchester embrace this great community we all love and share,” said Stan
Johnson, LMU men’s basketball coach. “It’s my hope that events like the Fourth of July parade
could open up more doors for our program and community to become as one.”
Among the distinguished guests was Councilwoman Traci Park. “Being a part of the Fourth of July celebrations in Westchester was a real honor,” Park said. “It’s my first year in the role of district leader, and I couldn’t be more proud to serve the Westside. I look forward to more opportunities where we, as a community, can come together and celebrate a #Better 11.”
The participants were led by the LAPD Pacific Area Junior Cadets and ranged from schools –
including Wright Middle School, Venice High, Westchester Arts and Music, Kentwood
Elementary, WISH Community and Academy, and Notre Dame Academy – to civic groups –
among them the Women’s Club of Playa del Rey, Ladies of the Westchester Elks, Westchester
Family YMCA, and Westchester Scouts BSA – and a canine contingent, the Great Pyrenees.
The musical offerings included the Wright Middle Drumline, Redondo Union Marching Band, the
Jetpack Band, Maywood Academy High School Band, and the Calliope Man. Entertainment also
came from the Mar Vista Family Center Folklorico, and the Immortal Lion Dancers.
A panel of judges chose St. Anastasia School as the Best Overall entrant; the Spirit of the Parade
award went to Kentwood Elementary School; the Chair’s Award was presented to WISH
Community Schools; and the Mayor’s Award was given to 501st Legion for their Star Wars
Tribute.
LMU MarComm hosted its first Fourth of July get together at a house near the Loyola Boulevard
gate for about 20 parade watchers, with plans to make this a holiday tradition. “LMU has been a
proud co-sponsor of the chamber’s Fourth of July parade since its inception,” said Fred Puza,
director of Community Relations. “We’re always thrilled to work with our partners to build
community and celebrate Westchester.
Maender gave a special thanks to the many sponsors, volunteers, and Parade Committee under
the leadership of Stephanie Davis, owner of the Hometown News, and Jerry Jen, owner of Jen
Law Firm that helped make the day possible.
