Thousands celebrate Fourth of July at Huntington Beach annual parade

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Even before the sun rose Saturday, a sense of celebration and pride could be felt throughout Huntington Beach.

Thousands lined the parade route and watched the 122nd annual Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade, the nation's largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi.

Classic cars and military vehicles took part as streamers and other decor in red, white and blue hung from shop windows and street signs.

Eyewitness News meteorologists Brianna Ruffalo and Danny Romero traveled the parade route atop a 1968 black Mustang convertible.

The entire parade was broadcast live on ABC7.

Laura Herzog was just one of the people who arrived early to prepare for the day's festivities. She was behind the wheel of a 1949 Willys Jeepster, carrying this year's parade grand marshal, Southern California radio personality Tim Conway, Jr.

The vehicle was adorned with an American flag motif and the names of every service member who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Herzog said it's a roving tribute that mirrors the memorial wall at Riveter Park in Long Beach, a project supported by Herzog's organization, Honoring Our Fallen, which aids the families of fallen service members.

"Freedom is not free," Herzog said, pointing to the names on the Jeepster. "To roll through the beautiful streets of Huntington Beach on our 250th birthday, it's a privilege. I hope they stop and read those names and remember, enjoy your barbecue, but we celebrate because of those who paid the sacrifice for the very freedom that we have."

Pat Hawley rode up Ninth Street early Saturday in a two-toned 1956 Chevy Bel Air convertible, awash in Harbor Blue over Nassau Blue.

Hawley, who has been riding in the Huntington Beach Independence Day Parade for 22 years, said he expected even bigger crowds with this year's historic celebration.

"This is the granddaddy," he said, with a laugh. "Everybody seems to show up here."

After the parade, you can catch the annual Independence Day Festival at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The day culminates with a spectacular fireworks show over the pier at 9 p.m.