A few days after I moved to Tucson, I heard that my neighborhood was having a July 4th parade. Being the new kid in town, I was curious to see what a parade in 100-degree heat would be like. So, I ventured over to the corner of Camden Street and Palo Verde Boulevard to see what the neighbors had cooked up.
What I saw was an all-ages collection of marchers strutting their stuff, and they were led by an impromptu band. After the parade,we gathered at an old stone house for refreshments. There were plenty of warm welcomes for this newcomer, even though I didn’t yet have a job or any idea where I’d be living after my summer sublet expired.
That was 1987.
I’m pleased to report that Camden/Palo Verde Neighborhood Association still has its annual July 4th Parade. This year marked its 45th anniversary, and it’s believed to be Tucson’s longest running, non-mechanized parade.
Although I no longer live in this neighborhood, I do try to come back for the parade. Being a July 4th celebration, it had plenty of flags…
The marchers were an all-ages group that included adults…
creative children, including this marching swimming pool…
pets on foot and in wagons…
What would a July 4th parade be without marching politicians? Here’s Tucson City Councilmember Nina Trasoff…
After the parade ended, prizes were awarded in the Individual, Group, Bicycle, Float, and Animal categories. Looks like that marching pool is a winner!
