Parade Honors ‘Peacemakers,’ Shows Diversity

A group of Hare Krishnas, 31 Dalmatians and an Elvis impersonator may not have much in common, but they all marched under clear, sunny skies Saturday to celebrate the city’s 31st annual Patriots Day Parade.

About 5,000 people crowded the 1.2-mile-long route to cheer on the parade’s 109 diverse entries, including a marching bagpipe band, JJ & Habibi’s belly dancing troupe and the Chocolate Lovers of America.

Patriots Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord that began the American Revolution. But David Hunter, a 25-year resident of Laguna Beach, said the parade is also a chance to show off the town’s community spirit.

“This is very typical,” he said, pointing at the marching Laguna Beach Girl Scouts. “These are all local residents and their children.”

Laguna Beach resident Pam Jacobson picked a shady parade spot for her and her two children. Ben, 6, said his favorite entry was the U.S. Marine Corps band. His 10-year-old sister, Chanelle, said she was impressed by it all.

“It makes me feel patriotic,” she said.

Among the honorees for this year’s parade, which was themed “America’s Peacemakers,” was grand marshal and Laguna Beach Police Chief Neil Purcell. After serving in the police department for 29 years, 16 as chief, Purcell expressed gratitude for the recognition before his first day of retirement today.

“I’ve had a couple of very, very nice parties,” Purcell, 57, said. “There’s wonderful community support here, and a lot of love. This is real Laguna.”

Though Laguna Beach’s parade has weathered difficult times in the past, such as the devastating 1995 wildfires, organizers said nothing seemed to stand in the way of this year’s blue skies and warm spirits.

Standing on a planter to get a better view, Elizabeth Sturges looked for friends who were marching.

“There are a lot of good people here,” said Sturges, who has lived in Laguna Beach since 1975. “Like the chief of police--I’ve known him for a long time and I hate to see him leave.”

The parade’s guest of honor, Jonelle Allen, a Laguna Beach resident and actress on the television show “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” said the parade promotes the town’s businesses while drawing together community members.

“I’m a native New Yorker, but now I realize I’m a Lagunatic,” Allen said.

Esther Gaffney, 83, said the event was one of the best days she’s ever had. A 30-year resident of Laguna Beach, the former Marine was honored as patriot of the year.

“It was just wonderful,” Gaffney said. “I’m just full of gratitude and so very happy.”

Barbara Witkow, president of the parade’s committee, said the celebration was ultimately about children and giving them a sense of history.

“There’s a story behind every one of these entries,” she said as she applauded the Vietnam Veterans of Orange County. “This helps foster that sense of patriotism for the little kids here.”

Joe Tanner enjoyed the small-town flavor of the parade, adding that Laguna Beach’s tranquillity is what keeps him here after 17 years.

“Nothing happens here--that’s why I love it,” Tanner said. “It’s like Mayberry by the ocean.”