Laguna’s Patriots Day Parade is just around the corner

The first Saturday in March is quickly approaching, which means it’s almost time for the Patriots Day Parade in Laguna Beach.

The 50th annual celebration, which recognizes the values of freedom and liberty, will roll through city streets beginning at 11 a.m. March 5.

Participants in the event will include people who have served the community or the United States during war or emergencies.

This year’s parade honorees include Grand Marshal Kelly Boyd, a Laguna Beach City Council member; Honored Patriot Carlos McAfee, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel; Citizen of the Year Stu Saffer, editor of Stu News Laguna; Junior Citizens of the Year Elle Mahdavi and Alexander Rounaghi, Laguna Beach High School seniors; Artist of the Year Dion Wright, a Sawdust Art Festival exhibitor; and Athletes of the Year Nick Hernandez Jr. and Sam Stinnett, who are skimboarders.

Members of various community groups, some with decorated floats, and school bands will also walk the parade route, which will be the usual path despite recent closures of nearby streets for sewer line work, said parade President Charlie Quilter.

The parade will begin on Park Avenue near Laguna Beach High and traverse sections of Glenneyre Street and Forest Avenue before ending at City Hall.

For more information, visit lagunabeachparade.org.