The Avalon City Council this week unanimously approved a Fourth of July Parade with golf carts. Discussing the parade, Councilmember Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy raised concerns that this would not be a socially distant event. However, she said she would not vote against the parade.
Mayor Anni Marshall said she wanted to keep the parade to golf carts. Capt. John Hocking, commander of the Avalon Sheriff’s Station, said the only issue is when golf carts are lining up. Hocking said he wants people to stay in their golf carts at the beginning of the parade.
Cassidy said her concern included spectators as well. She said she foresaw an uncomfortable weekend. “We’ve all been yelled at; we’ve all been called horrible names for asking people to wear masks,” Cassidy said.
There was a brief discussion of possibly reinstating the cancelled Independence Day fireworks show, but ultimately the council approved the parade only. “Staff anticipates returning to City Council for direction and final approval regarding a Labor Day Fireworks show on July 21, 2020,” according to the staff report by Community Services Director Dan Huneke. The schedule, according to the report, will be:
• 1O a.m.—Judging for the home and business decorating contest
• Noon—Chimes presentation of patriotic music
• 12:30 p.m.—Parade line-up along Casino Way
• 1 p.m.—Parade start and judging of entrants
• 2 p.m.—Awards for cart decorating contest
• 2:30 p.m.—Awards home and business decorating contest
• 3 p.m.—Dinghy parade
• 8 p.m.—“Let’s Get Loud” tribute for Avalon’s essential workers
• 9 p.m.— Tribute music over Avalon.
In other news, the council approved a new fee schedule for city services. Leased mooring fees, for example, were increased by 10%. Nightly harbor rates and Harbor Department services were increased by 5%.
