Templeton Fourth of July parade shows off local American spirit
The Foreign Exchange Student program had a float featuring the flags of the students’ countries alongside the red, white, and blue of the USA.
–Parking was scarce in downtown Templeton on the morning of Tuesday, July 4, as thousands crowded the streets in order to catch a glimpse of the annual Independence Day parade. Music could be heard throughout the blocks of the historic district and families were setting up barbecues even before the parade began. Some families even arrived as early as 4 a.m. in order to score a good spot to watch the festivities.
Attendees expected nothing short of an old-fashioned parade full of classic American patriotism, and that’s exactly what they were given. The parade featured numerous local organizations, clubs, and schools from all over both north and south SLO County. Not to mention the dozens of vintage cars, tractors, and military vehicles put on full working display as they drove down the parade route.
The SLO Blues minor league baseball team made an appearance during the parade.
The parade was judged by a panel, including (but not limited to) husband and wife duo, John and Judy Bertoni, and Norma Moy. Generally speaking, the judges were looking for the most overall effort, fun, and the genuine American spirit that each portion of the parade could offer. Knowing this, each entry in the parade delivered in carrying out those requests, as they decorated practically every inch of their entries in as much red, white, and blue as they could. Even the local foreign exchange student program had their students waving small American flags alongside the colors of their own home country’s flags.
As the parade made its way through the streets, audience members were able to see the upcoming talent from their hometown high school as students from Templeton High School programs such as cheer, band, and football made an appearance. Other schools such as the Laugh and Learn Preschool also had a float of their own, filled with dozens of their young students.
Several firetrucks from all different eras ceremoniously appeared near the end of the parade.
The parade also featured multiple organizations and non-profits such as the Las Tablas Animal Hospital and the Estrella Warbirds Museum, who showed their American pride in the parade. Not to mention the appearance of several clubs as well, such as Templeton 4-H, who showed of a few of their livestock and other animals on their float. There were several activities going on outside of the parade as well. Attendees could enjoy barbecues, ice cream, music, and other festivities around the park after the parade finished.
Overall, the Templeton Fourth of July Parade was a huge hit with locals, who wanted to spend their day celebrating the anniversary of the founding of their country with their friends and family.
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