City prepares for 2 days of festivities

By Donna Beth Weilenman
Staff Reporter

Deanne Sandoval Ponder will serve as grand marshal of the Torchlight Parade, the longtime July 3 Benicia celebration, Nancy Martinez, executive director of Benicia Main Street, said.

Other dignitaries who have committed to be in the parade Wednesday are U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, state Sen. Lois Wolk and District 2 Supervisor Linda Seifert, the Board of Supervisors chairperson and Benicia’s representative on that county panel.

Sandoval Ponder owns Sandoval’s, a downtown Benicia restaurant. She has been part of the Benicia business scene since joining her family’s restaurant business, the Burrito Barge that once was in the 800 block of First Street.

Eventually, she and a partner opened Sandoval’s, and as it succeeded, she was able to become its sole owner, Martinez said.

“She’s a very generous individual,” Martinez said. Sandoval Ponder has also been with Relay for Life Benicia since its founding, and is active in Main Street events.

“And July 4 is her birthday!” Martinez said.

Benicia Main Street has been the city’s contractor for the city’s Freedom Celebration events for the past 18 years, Martinez said.

This year’s parade has 83 entries, and one Martinez is anxious to see is Arts Benicia’s bamboo vehicles that their makers will wheel down First Street.

Other entrants like to keep their participation a surprise, and Martinez said those lining First Street to watch the parade never know what to expect.

Bonnie Silveria, a Benicia Historical Society member, said the Torchlight Parade actually has its origins in the late 1800s to early 1900s, when members of the city’s volunteer fire department organized the night-time parade that was illuminated by torches — because at the time First Street had no lights.

But interest in the parade faded, Silveria said. It was revived in 1975, the year before the nation’s bicentennial celebrations and changed to an afternoon event.

The reason Benicia’s parade is July 3 instead of on Independence Day is so more people could see or enter more parades, both Martinez and Silveria said.

In particular, Vallejo has had a large July 4 parade, and by having the Benicia parade a day earlier some could enter both parades, and others could see the two with ease.

Benicia does have its own July 4 tradition: Picnic in the Park. Starting at noon, families can arrive at City Park either with their own picnic foods, or they may shop at the food vendors who have set up for the day.

Other vendors will sell arts and crafts.

Mayor Elizabeth Patterson will give the welcome, and Toney Turner will sing the national anthem. At 1:30 p.m., Susie Harper School of Dance will perform. Out of Pocket Band will perform beginning at 2:30 p.m., and the Voltones take over at 5 p.m.

Both days are expected to be hot, Martinez said. Neither event has alcohol, and she recommended residents bring water. “Hydrate! It’s going to be a warm one!” she said.

Those who have gone downtown for the picnic may visit First Street restaurants for dinner before the fireworks show, by Pyro Spectaculars, that starts at dusk, about 9 p.m., Martinez said.

Those are the only legal fireworks allowed in Benicia, Fire Chief Jim Lydon said. No fireworks are allowed in the city year-round, a ban that includes sparklers as well as Roman candles, sky rockets and any others with combustible or explosive material.

Streets will be closed in the downtown area for both days, Martinez said, and no parking will be allowed on First Street from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday and from 7-10 p.m. Thursday.

Street closures will occur during those same hours.

On Wednesday, First Street from K Street to the foot of the street at the traffic circle; West C through West F streets; B Street, including the B Street parking lot; and East Second Street from D to B streets all will be closed.

Except for those who qualify for handicap parking, street closures Thursday are B Street, including its parking lot, First Street south of D Street, and Second Street south of D Street.

Those living on West C, East B and East Second streets will be provided access Thursday if they present documentation.

The Torchlight Parade will start on First Street at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Picnic in the Park starts at noon Thursday, and fireworks start at dusk, about 9 p.m. Thursday. Admission is free to all events.