Photos by Samantha Bengtson
Soledad Mission Recreation District cheerleaders walk in the parade. Below, the Ramirez grandkids were named the Best Dressed group.
SOLEDAD — Bounce houses, a parade, Smokey the Bear, Dole mascots and more were among the event attractions to celebrate the Fourth of July along with fireworks that rounded out the evening.
Soledad Fourth of July committee worked hard this past year and brought its hard work to the residents of Soledad beginning with the Star Spangled Banner Children’s Parade that started at Main Street Middle School at noon and finished at the Little League Park.
The parade was led by returning leaders Soledad High School NJROTC members and its counselors Senior Naval Science Instructor Captain Pete Gomez and Naval Science Instructor Chief Peaches. The NJROTC members carried the colors for the parade and also rose the flag at the Little League Park.
The parade included students from the Soledad Pre-School, the California Section 5 Champions Little League Team, the California Section 9 Champion Little League, cheerleaders from Soledad-Mission Recreation District, baton twirlers, costumed participants and more.
Once the parade goers and participants made their way to the Little League Park, Alicia Massa sang the National Anthem. Youth and adult games took place and several food booths and bounce houses along with music and a mechanical bull were all part of the day festivities.
Rounding out the evening was a fireworks display run by Pyro Spectaculars.
