On Independence Day, Vallejo will go ‘mad as a hatter’

‘Bathtub Regatta’ to include battle with pirate zombies in 2nd annual Red, White and Blues Groove fest

CAPTAIN STINKY LA FOOT leads the Vallejo Bathtub Regatta, above; below, the pirate ship that leads the Maritime Dog Parade.
Courtesy photos

If Benicia’s Torchlight Parade on Friday afternoon isn’t enough Independence Day pageantry for viewers, Vallejo’s 162nd annual July 4th Parade — themed “Stars and Stripes Forever!” — will start at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The Vallejo parade will begin at Broadway and Tennessee streets and take its historic route along Sonoma Boulevard and Georgia Street through that city’s downtown district.

The parade is the first event in Vallejo’s Independence Day celebration, which takes a creative “Mad Hatter” twist at 11 a.m. with the Bathtub Regatta that includes a battle between lifeguards and pirate zombies, part of the second annual Red, White and Blues Groove music and food festival at the Vallejo Waterfront.

Up to a dozen bands will provide live music, with styles ranging from “Gospel reggae” to “Second Planet Smooth Jazz.” Those going to Waterfront Park also are encouraged to bring kites to fly.

In addition, attendees can watch the inaugural Maritime Dog Parade of canines dressed for the short stroll, led on the promenade by Kim Pelham of Haute Dogs Boutique and Barkery. The winning pooches will receive prizes.

An Artisan Beer Garden will serve a variety of brews, including several new Lagunitas Brewing Company offerings, and Earl’s Bar-B-Q will cook meats. Diners can choose from traditional barbecue, fried catfish, fried chicken, hot dogs, fries, shrimp, hot wings, peach cobbler, apple and sweet potato pie, ice cream snow cones. Vegan options are available, too.

Wonderland-style games, jumper houses, a bull ride, a carousel and train rides will keep children entertained. Their parents may stroll past some of the parade floats that will line up along the waterfront for up-close viewing, or admire low riders, classic cars and the Pata de Perro Volkswagen Club vehicles.

Those who want to use their time to relax may visit the Wellness Ancient Garden, where they can experience holistic relaxation practices.

Frank Malifrando, Vallejo’s “Mad Hatter” and the event organizer and producer, called the celebration a “multi-community partnership happening under the Mad Hatter banner.”

He added, “Some say to survive it, you need to be mad as a hatter!” The Mad Hatter is a character from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” and the term has become an entertainment theme in Vallejo, particularly during Christmas holiday events.

The Bathtub Regatta begins when the Cunningham Lifeguard Brigade arrives on the waterfront, Malifrando said.
“Lifeguards will shoot sponge balls at the pirating zombies attacking the Bathtub Regatta, led by Captain Stinky La Foot of Obtainium Works, with his line of Bathtub creations — Spanish Armada and the Robinson Crusoe, to name two — all trying to make their way to shore.”

The pirating zombies are led by Kayak Steve, Malifrando said, and Obtainium Works is a collaborative arts studio on Mare Island.

As darkness falls, the Waterfront will become the place to see Vallejo’s fireworks display. Activities wrap up at midnight.

Those interested may visit the website http://www.vallejojuly4.com/.

Vallejo’s Independence Day Parade starts Saturday at 10 a.m. at Broadway and Tennessee streets, and the Bathtub Regatta and Red, White and Blues Groove Festival take place at Vallejo Waterfront Park, 301 Mare Island Way. Parking at city lots and the municipal garage across the street from the park is $5 for the day, payable by credit card.