Fourth of July is always a blast in Scotts Valley, and this year was no different.
Before the main parade, the Skypark neighborhood held its own mini-parade. To kick the main shebang off, a flyover was organized by Said Karssli of Little Tampico.
“He reached out to pilots from all over the West Coast clear to the Canadian border who fly to Watsonville and practice the stunts they perform,” said Councilmember Donna Lind. “All the planes are kit planes. This is the 11th year they’ve been providing the flyover.”
The Scotts Valley Sportsmen’s Club provided a large crew of volunteers who assisted with safety along the parade route. Horse Sense Education and Advocacy hosted parade staging and handled “poop scooping” duties during the parade.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Division worked with Food Trucks A Go Go (Rollin Snack Shack) to provide a kids zone and food at the Boys & Girls Club (who received the proceeds). Music Now DJ Jack Crawford served as emcee and provided music before and during the parade.
BSA Scout Troop 614 took the lead as Parade Honor Guard and were joined by several local scout troops.
Many locals were disappointed that this year was another without fireworks.
There were high hopes a nonprofit formed about a year ago could restore the celebration. But the Community Advocates of Scotts Valley announced via Facebook on June 18 that this would not be in the cards, at least this year.
“We actually raised the funds,” a representative of the group posted. “Unfortunately, there is no usable open space to have a show this year. If you donated, you should receive an option to receive a refund from the president of CASV or the option to have it donated, possibly to cover the costs of the Tiny Tot Playground.”
Four of the organization’s board members have now resigned.
“We do not know the fate of the group going forward,” the spokesperson stated. “One thing is certain, we love our town.”
(Photos Courtesy of Donna Lind and Contributors)
