Today, Ron, Liz, Ethan, Ray, and I attended the annual Ojai 4th of July parade. This is a big deal in this little town of 8,000, and people set up folding chairs along the parade route weeks in advance to get a prime, shady spot. For the second year in a row, we were comfortable in a location that is shady for most of the parade and close to a bathroom (the grocery store across the street) and a coffee stand (immediately behind us). Prior to this, we had another prime location, but beginning last year, people had the gall to set up their chairs there, so we had to relocate.

This wonderfully eclectic parade is full of everything small-town America has to offer: vintage tractors, the Corvair Club, the high school marching band, three separate Mexican horse clubs—each with its own band—a traditional Japanese taiko drumming corps, three adorable Save the Turtles Conservancy floats, a Hare Krishna float surrounded by singing and dancing devotees, and, bringing up the rear, Smokey Bear riding in the back of a Ventura County Fire Department truck.

There was a large crowd, mainly locals, with the usual weekend LA tourists thrown in for good measure. If you’re looking for a bona fide hometown Independence Day experience, then mark your calendar for July 4th, 2027. But be sure to wear a hat, plenty of sunscreen, and bring your own blanket or folding chair. Otherwise, you’ll be standing for the 1 1/2 hour parade.

Here are a few photos and videos:

Ron, Ethan, Liz, Penelope, Rhys, Sydney, and Alex