Bring On the Fourth!

The Runners, the Parade, the Barbecues & the Fireworks

Starting at 8:15 a.m., when nearly 3,000 runners take off in the Will Rogers 5/10K races and ending about 9:20 p.m., when the final salvo of fireworks explodes above the high school, Pacific Palisades will once again offer an enviable Fourth of July celebration this Sunday. This issue of the Palisadian-Post contains our traditional 32-page program (and eight-page wrap) previewing the parade, which begins at 2 p.m. following the arrival of Carey Peck’s skydiving team on Sunset at Swarthmore. Also, our sports section provides details about last-minute registration for 5/10K runners as well as the Kids’ Fun Run and the YMCA Youth Triathlon. In addition to other July 4-related stories on page 3, here’s more information: ”Sunset will be closed off to through traffic beginning about 1:30 p.m., at which time drivers can detour easily via Albright (taking Hartzell or Via de la Paz north off Sunset). Free shuttle buses are available adjacent to the parking lots at Palisades High and the Presbyterian Church (located at El Medio just north of Sunset). ”Participants in the PATRIOTIC PUPS brigade are encouraged to call Marilyn Haaker (454-6430) to sign up. Dogs must be comfortable in the company of horses, people and other dogs, and be completely under control. The group will gather beforehand under the trees at Palisades Elementary and will set out early in the parade, close behind the troupe of young baton twirlers known as the Palisades Stars. ”Former Palisades FIRST BABIES OF THE YEAR or their parents are encouraged to contact Tiffany Hu Epstein at 459-3869 to ride in the parade and celebrate the 50th anniversary of this contest. Palisadian Jim Buerge is donating two convertibles (and drivers) from his Buerge Ford dealership in Santa Monica, and seven First Babies have signed up thus far. ”Spectators of all ages are strongly encouraged not to spray Silly String or its equivalent along the parade route. The novelty product spooks dogs, horses and young children, while making a hard-to-remove mess on streets and sidewalks. This year, for the first time, Silly String will not be sold at any local store on Sunday and will not be carried by vendors. ”Under the banner of Kids Helping Kids, Santa Monica High students Denise Rider, Jaryn Kile, Lauren Kucik, Ruby Claire Letenoux and Lindsey Emerson will be selling homemade cookies during the parade. Their booth will be set up on Sunset, between the Mobil station and U.S. Bank. All proceeds will go to Share Our Strength, an organization dedicated to feeding hungry children in the U.S.