by Noella Noelophile® 
We didn’t feel it. The shaking, I mean.
But we certainly felt pride, gratitude and a festive spirit of celebration at the sixteenth annual Great American 4th of July Kids’ Bike Parade, this morning in Long Beach.
Approximately four hundred participants showed up for this special event, sponsored by nonprofit Community Action Team. Participation was free, and there would be contests, prior to the main event, for the kids.
Sadly, we had to miss the kids’ “Patriotic Speech Contest” at 9:40 am, due to several large tour buses showing up, discharging beachgoers and obscuring our view of the sign-in area. (Normally, the young participants give up to a 90-second speech about what the USA means to them.)
But, we did get past the buses just in time to see the winners of the kids’ costume contest! We especially loved Betsy Ross, George Washington and a very young “Uncle Sam” in a stroller. Each winner received a ten-dollar prize.
And the time was approaching for the main event.
Long Beach police stood ready to escort the parade participants.
“Ladies and gentlemen, will you please stand and remove your hats for the singing of our National Anthem?” requested organizer Justin Rudd.
Southern California National Anthem Sing-Off winner Shannon Wynne did the honors. Cheers and applause followed her breathtaking a capella rendition..
Justin next introduced Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna.
“On behalf of all the men and women of the Long Beach Police Department, I want to wish you all a Happy Fourth of July,” Chief Luna began.
“Our country is 243 years old today. And as we’re celebrating today, I don’t want us to forget what the Fourth of July’s about. It’s actually celebrating what I believe is the best country in the entire world.”
Thanking Justin for organizing the event, Chief Luna continued, “I firmly believe, when we have this many community members together, it makes us a lot safer, quality of life improves, a lot of good things happen.”
“The patrol officers on bikes will be leading your parade today,” Justin commented, accepting the mic back from Chief Luna.
Next, he introduced Third District City Councilwoman Suzie Price.
“Well, good morning, everyone, Happy Fourth, and thank you to Justin for bringing us all together,” Councilwoman Price began. “This is the best way to start the holiday today. I love this tradition, and I love that you’re all out here…To have a bike parade like this, in a huge city like Long Beach, is pretty awesome, ’cause it reminds us of what a small town we really live in.”
Introducing her son Kavin, who was standing with her, the Councilwoman said, “My son Kian is with me too. We’re going to ride along with you guys today, and I want to wish you all a very Happy Fourth, but also, make sure that you’re safe.”
Councilwoman Price then cautioned her listeners against lighting fireworks, which are illegal in Long Beach. She also warned bike riders who’d be traveling through Long Beach later to “please be cautious of your surroundings”, alluding to people who, on July fourth, “are not totally responsible when they’re driving a car”.
The next speaker was Olympian and bike advocate Tony Cruz.
“You guys excited, or what?” Cruz asked. The crowd whooped.
“Want to do some bike riding out there?”
He quickly reminded the participants to be mindful during the parade.
“The trail is open to other riders, so just try being as courteous as possible…And love the decorations,” Cruz said.
“We just want to be safe. Happy Fourth, everybody…be very careful, I want to see everybody out there riding their bikes, but ride safely.”
And the time had come.
The patrol officers led the way down the “red carpet” which is the signature start for CAT events.
The parade was on!
We loved seeing the photo opps on the red carpet.
“Happy Fourth!” Justin repeatedly called, snapping pictures.
Some participants brought their “fur babies”, appropriately decked out for the Fourth.
We saw lots of smiles and laughter, and lots of people taking photos and selfies.
A personal favorite was the eagle which accompanied one rider.
If we had to describe the feeling of the sixteenth annual Great American 4th of July Kids’ Bike Parade, it would be “sheer exuberance”.
And another celebration was waiting, at the end of the parade route.
Justin and his volunteers directed the bike riders over to the boat landing area.
There, Justin asked two young girls, each of whom had a birthday today, to introduce themselves–and tell the crowd how old they were.
And the gathered group sang “Happy Birthday” to both girls–and to America.
Next, Long Beach beauty pageant winners, including Ms. Long Beach and Little Miss Long Beach, called out the numbers of the winners of the “Best Decorated Bike” contest.
Lots of picture-taking ensued.
And our nation’s 243rd birthday was off to a great start, thanks to CAT, Justin Rudd and the community spirit of Long Beach!
Happy Fourth, everybody, and stay safe.