Torchlight Parade, picnic, fireworks are annual highlights

For Benicians, Independence Day is too important to celebrate on just one day. So, as it has done for decades, the city will have its Torchlight Parade along First Street on July 3 and its family-oriented Picnic in the Park and fireworks show July 4.

Grand marshals of this year’s Torchlight Parade are Michelle and Steve Duff, Valero Benicia Refinery employees and long-time Benicia residents, said Deborah Housman, event coordinator.

The Duffs also are individual sponsors of Benicia Main Street, which collaborates with the city of Benicia on the annual Fourth of July festivities.

The parade begins the evening of July 3 at First and D streets, and will proceed along First Street to the judging area at Benicia City Park, on First Street and Military West.

“We hire parade judges from Pacific Coast Judges Association,” Housman said. Entries will be judged on entertainment value, effectiveness, innovation and participation, and winners get trophies and ribbons, she said.

The Torchlight Parade predates city street lights. During the earliest processions, participants carried actual torches. The advent of modern illumination didn’t alter the parade’s name.

“This parade has seen the turn of two centuries,” Housman said. “It is a hometown parade which includes community organizations, clubs and friends and neighbors waving at each other as the parade progresses up the street.”

Returning this year is the Coldwell Banker Kazoo Band, which has become a long-time tradition at the parade.

Other participants include the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Tip Tap Toe Performing Arts, Rugby Tots USA, Benicia Bicycle Club, Vallejo Dog Training Club, CrossFit 707, Benicia Jazzercise and the Benicia Outrigger Canoe Club.

The parade is so popular, people like to claim a spot along the curb so they can be assured of seeing their friends as they pass by.

But, “As a courtesy to First Street businesses, parade enthusiasts are reminded that chairs should not be placed along the parade route until after 9 a.m.,” Housman said. “They are also asked not to tape or tie the chairs together for safety reasons, and they should be placed back far enough from the curb to allow access in and out of cars during the day.”

July 4 is the national Independence Day, and on that date Benicians historically go to City Park for the “Picnic in the Park.”

Activities this year begin at noon with the national anthem by Tony Turner and an address by Mayor Elizabeth Patterson.

Entertainment for all ages starts at 1:20 p.m. with a performance by Susie Harper School of Dance, and continues with Crosstown 5 at 2:30 p.m. and the Voltones at 5 p.m.

Crosstown 5 is making its debut at the picnic, but the Voltones have played the event for several years.

Those going to the park also will find arts and crafts booths, food vendors, a climbing wall and Jubilee Jumps’ train rides and inflatable play places for children.

Attendees may pack their own picnic, but the site will have such hot foods as barbecue, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, kettle corn, shave ice, nachos and popcorn sold by the Benicia Lions Club, and ice cream in cups sold by Benicia Soroptimists. Other groups will sell cold drinks, and Main Street will sell beer and wine. The Lions Club also will sell beer.

The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. July 4 at the foot of First Street. “Spectators gather on the First Street Green located at the corner of First and B streets, to watch the display under the stars,” Housman said.

Unlike some cities that have decided to cancel fireworks because of the state’s severe drought, Benicia is well-situated to keep its traditional Independence Day light show because “Our fireworks are set off over water which makes it quite safe,” Housman said.

Those planning to attend may want to head toward the foot of First Street early to get a good viewing spot. “We do notice an increase in attendance with surrounding cities forgoing fireworks,” Housman said.

The Torchlight Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. July 3 on First Street, and the Picnic in the Park starts at noon July 4, with fireworks starting about 9 p.m. the same day.

The events are organized and sponsored by Benicia Main Street in conjunction with the city of Benicia. Donations are being accepted to defray costs. Individual patron sponsors of Main Street get two passes to the VIP viewing area during the fireworks display. Those interested in contributing may call Main Street at 707-745-9791 or visit its office at 90 First St.