Huntington Beach again plans a modified Fourth of July parade

Huntington Beach is planning to move forward with a modified Fourth of July parade again in 2021 due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

Community Services Manager Chris Cole said during a presentation at Monday night’s City Council meeting that this year’s plans include another modified parade, a Pier Plaza festival, a home decorating contest, modified 5K run and a fireworks display over the Huntington Beach Pier.

The city’s five-member Fourth of July executive board approved the plans at its March 3 meeting and the City Council voted unanimously Monday night to move the plans forward.

Councilman Mike Posey did question the mixed message of allowing large gatherings with the festival and fireworks show, but not allowing the traditional parade.

“I think a lot of the recommendations that have been put forth have been based on our best understanding of current guidance,” City Manager Oliver Chi responded.

“The Pier Plaza festival is allowed ... and there’s no indication that the beaches will be closed this Fourth of July. The fireworks show, we expect to be able to do, but there’s a chance that potentially we’re asked not to do the fireworks show. And there’s ways to facilitate the run based on current guidance.

“One thing that’s pretty clear at this point is that large-scale events where you do have a mass gathering of people together in a confined space, like you would see during the parade, we feel fairly confident at this point that it won’t technically be allowed, per the state’s guidance.”

Huntington Beach’s Fourth of July Parade has been held annually since 1904 and is known as the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi River. Last year it went virtual, however, with two small car caravans driving around the city’s downtown and residential areas. Additionally, the Pier Plaza festival, 5K run and fireworks show over the pier were all canceled.

The city is planning to move forward with the events this year, though Director of Community and Library Services Chris Slama noted that COVID-19’s negative economic impacts are making it difficult to secure previous financial partnerships or attract new sponsors.

Cole said this year’s modified parade will expand on last year’s concept by creating additional parade routes, and include creative ways to engage potential sponsors. The Pier Plaza festival will be enhanced from previous years to provide needed revenue for the 2021 and 2022 celebrations.

The 5K run will modify the traditional 5K route, and stagger start times for small groups on a predesigned course at Central Park. A virtual race option will also be available.

The fireworks show over the pier could be 24 to 26 minutes long and choreographed to a custom soundtrack. However, the show remains only a possibility at this time.

“Due to the social gathering and fiscal uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the fireworks show is the most susceptible to COVID-related impacts,” Cole said.

Huntington Beach has contracted with Soundskilz Inc. to manage the celebration. As part of its vote to move the Fourth of July plans forward, the City Council also voted to amend its contract to allow the city to directly pay prepaid vendor expenses or deposits. Soundskilz, in turn, would be required to repay the city from the event revenues.

For example, a deposit of about $26,000 is required for the fireworks show, Slama said.

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