PCA FAQ

What day is the 4th of July parade?
Believe it or not, this is our most frequently asked question. Our celebration always happens on July 4, no matter what day of the week it is.

How long is the parade?
The length of the parade is about 1 ¼ miles. The time it takes to march the route is between 40-50 minutes. The first unit steps off at 10:00 AM and the last unit crosses the finish line about 12:30 PM.

How can I be in the parade?
Entries are by invitation only. You can contact us through our phone or email between March and May and request a questionnaire. Return it and then our entries committee will screen your entry.

What does the entries committee look for?
Above all, you must be entertaining! You must be something that people would not see any day on the street. Also, you must be capable of moving down the street at about 2 miles/hour for almost two miles. We also screen out entries that promote any political, religious, social, economic or personal agendas.

How can I put a good entry together?
You are welcome at any parade clinic. This 2 hour class is designed to help you put together a great entry, and have fun doing it. They are open to the public, and you are not obligated to enter the parade by taking the class.

Is there a fee for parade entry?
No.

Why aren’t there more marching bands?
Alas, there are two main reasons. First, most school bands do not march in the summer. Second, there are relatively few music programs in our local schools. A marching band needs a tremendous amount of support from parents, faculty, administration, plus good programs in elementary schools to train the musicians to that level. We would love to have more bands; if you know of any that are willing to come, please refer them to us!

Why aren’t there more floats?
Actually, we have a relatively high number of floats in our parade. PCA will rent float chassis to groups for the parade, and we teach a clinic on how to design and build one. But a group has to be willing to put in the time and effort to make a float. Our parade is only as good as the community that supports it.

This sounds like fun! How can I help?
We can use volunteers all year round, especially in May, June and early July, and we can use up to 40 volunteers on the day of July 4. Call our office for details or see our volunteer page.

How can I enter the Fun Run?
The Fun Run is sponsored by the Redwood City Park and Recreation Dept. Call (650) 780-7311 for details. Or pre-register on-line at the Parks & Recreation Website.

Where is the parade route?
The parade starts at Brewster and Winslow at 10:00 AM, and loops around downtown Redwood City. It travels on parts of these streets: Brewster, Veterans, Main, Marshall & Arguello. See the map for details.

Where do I park?
If you can, we advise you not to park! The best way to get to the parade site is to take Caltrain to the Redwood City station. The parade is literally on the other side of the tracks. You can also take a Samtrans bus down El Camino to stops between Brewster, and Jefferson. Just follow the streets east of El Camino to the parade route. If you must drive, take Hwy 101 to either Woodside Rd. or Whipple Ave. Go to Veteran’s Blvd. and park in the areas west of Marshall St.

How can I sell my crafts at the festival?
Our arts and crafts booths at the festival are being organized by California Artists. Please call Nancy Allie at 650-348-7699.

How can my group be in the festival entertainment?
Just send us your information and a video, audio tape or CD to our office at 463 Brewster Suite #4, Redwood City, CA 94063. Please let us know if you want your tape back. If we can see you in person locally, that’s even better!

Where are the fireworks?
Our annual high-aerial fireworks display will be launched from the water at the Port of Redwood City . They can be seen from downtown and anywhere west of Highway 101 where there is a clear view of the skies above the Port. They can also be seen from high points all over the Peninsula.

How easy is it to get to the fireworks viewing area at the Port?

It is not difficult but we recommend you go early. The Port of Redwood City is an industrial area which is mostly private property with very limited public parking. The Port has provided a Public viewing area along the waterfront off of Seaport Court. Once all of the public parking spaces are filled, Redwood City Police Department will close Seaport Blvd to all vehicle traffic at the intersection of Seaport Blvd/Blomquist. Once the intersection has been closed, no vehicle access to the Port area will be granted. This traffic control restriction could occur as early as 7:30 p.m. So plan accordingly.

What areas will be open?

The Port's public boat launch ramp and parking lot will remain open on July 4th; however, some traffic access restriction to Seaport Centre will start at 6:30pm. No spectators will be permitted on the launch ramp dock during the fireworks show. Viewing of the fireworks from watercraft is allowed provided they remain anchored outside of the designated safety zone.

Are the fireworks and concert really free?
YES! There is no charge for the fireworks or parking.

Wow! How much does it cost the City of Redwood City to put this on?
Actually, the July 4 Celebration activities are sponsored and totally managed by the Peninsula Celebration Association, a private non-profit volunteer organization. The Peninsula Celebration Association pays for the celebration, including the cost of the fireworks and the prize money in the parade. However, the City of Redwood City does generously support the event with police and fire protection, the use of the city streets, and set up and clean up services provided by Public Works.

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