The streets of Solvang turned red, white, and blue on Saturday as thousands of people came out to celebrate the Fourth of July.
The city held its annual Independence Day parade along Mission Drive, featuring a mixture of floats, live music, animals, and even some water guns.
Despite the heat, residents and guests lined the streets in beach chairs and blankets on the ground as the procession made its way down the street.
The theme for this year’s event was “Salute to America 250” in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary.
The parade was a mixture of floats, classic cars, dancers, singers, and a variety of animals.
Participants on some floats threw candy or toys to kids in the crowd, while others aimed streams of water at the audience with water guns.
Some participants rode horses that danced for the crowd while others performed rope tricks.
The parade also included goats, camels, and even a bull named Beefer decked out in red, white, and blue glitter.
Many of the floats represented businesses, schools, and local organizations from across the Santa Ynez Valley.
One of the largest floats of the day was a giant skateboard carried down the street by a truck.
Local leaders from across the region also appeared at the event.
Solvang Mayor David Brown waved to the crowd from a classic Chevrolet, followed by Buellton Mayor David Silva and other members of the Buellton City Council.
Third District county Supervisor Joan Hartmann, whose district includes Solvang and much of the Santa Ynez Valley, also participated in the parade.
For some residents, the parade is a longtime family tradition that they look forward to every year.
Kerry Enderle, whose husband Jim Enderle owns Jim’s Service Center, said the Fourth of July parade is her second favorite event after the town’s Yuletide Parade.
Enderle, who taught at Ballard Elementary School, has lived in Solvang for close to 30 years after moving there for work. She has been going to the event for years, and said her family looks forward to it every year.
Even though Enderle has attended larger events, she said she enjoys the local parade because of her connections to the people.
“It’s small town and fun, and we know a lot of people that are participating,” Enderle said. “So it feels personal.”
