Forty-six carts join parade, decorated in this year’s theme
Catalina had a lot to celebrate this past Fourth of July weekend. This would be the first major event that Avalon has had since Covid. Avalon would be welcoming back the many visitors who have made this a tradition as well as a second home. Thousands of people flocked to Catalina to bask in the warm sun, interact in the friendly air, dine on the beach and back in the restaurants, and create lasting memories for themselves and families. Avalon was open again.
To celebrate this Avalon held their charmed parade down front street. Forty-six carts decorated in this year’s theme “Catalina Beautiful, Avalon Strong.” Winners of the competition were: Best of Theme: first place, Liquid Squid Apparel with their cart The Kraken, 2nd place the Herbst family with Let’s Fly Away, and 3rd place Canove Crew with Avalon-Strong/Tough/Resilient. Most Patriotic: 1st place the RAD family with Avalon Strong, 2nd place McCartin Boultinghouse family with Catalina Car Poolers, and 3rd place Catalina Yamaha with the Tank. Best of Parade was the Nichols family with Catalina Beautiful, Avalon Strong. This Loma Linda family has won Best of Parade every year.
The City saw the largest amount of homes decorated which created an atmosphere of celebration, honor for our veterans, and our love of where we live. Best decorated homes were 1st place Armstrong family, 2nd Budd, and 3rd is the Lowders. The best decorated business were: 1st place Lloyds of Avalon, 2nd Ciao Baci, and 3rd Coyote Joes.
The celebration continued through the day with music filling the air. The city was pleased with having local talent Airman 2nd Lieutenant Christian Arteaga start the day with his soulful acoustic pop sound. Catalina Eddie and the Old School played Rock Reggae at the Casino Dock. They were followed by the Classic Rock sounds of local iconic band Undercover. Music and dancing filled up the streets as the city continued to celebrate the night.
The 4th of July celebration on the Island is always special. It was more special this year coming out of the pandemic. We were blessed to have the opportunity to come together again in a normal setting with all our friends, families, visitors to celebrate and enjoy Catalina’s beauty and the resilience of this community. The City of Avalon would like to think everyone who participated and visited to help keep and remind us how lucky we are to be here.
