What are your 4th of July traditions? Do you hang a flag or two or three? 
Or maybe, you also have a permanent wooden flag on the side of your house.
Do you think it’s the official kick off of summer?
As a side note, having nothing to do with the 4th…it appears to be mosquito season in my bedroom in particular. They just love me. The bad news, I’ve lost 2 nights sleep as this one blood-sucker has attacked, my arm, my finger the side of my face and last night the inside of my hand! Let’s not forget what the buzzing sounds like as it flies past your face! The good news…I killed that sucker, yep saw some of my blood, but tonight, I should sleep like a baby!!! Okay, back to the 4th!
Was a hot dog on your menu? Tater tots??
We have a community parade that started in 2000 in my hometown of Westchester. Our Westchester/Playa del Rey Historical Society wanted to celebrate the millennium. Local realtors along with our Chamber of Commerce and many nonprofit community groups worked hard to develop our celebration!
Each year, friends and families line up along Loyola Blvd as we clap and cheer for a variety of marchers and floats. The 50 organizations start at Westchester Park and proceed down Loyola Blvd. They finish at Loyola Marymount University. The very same place I walk with my buddies every morning!
It’s always a rather warm day. As I sat on the curb with my friends and their families, let’s give a shoot out to tennis shoes. I bet you know which pair is mine!
It’s so great to see all the young families along with us oldsters that have lived here forever! Let the parade begin!! Starting with the flag!
Motorcycles, cool old cars, bicycles, scooters, and horseback go down the street.
The #1 Hog Chapter!
We’ve got the Boy Scouts riding in an old Nash.
The Great Pyrenees always attend. They looked so hot!!! Imagine wearing a fur coat in 85 degrees!
Little League All Stars
Kentwood Players…
This lady has been performing for decades. Her daughter was in my high school class. What a great tradition.
There were dancers and Girl Scouts…
We have a community garden at our local middle school. Here is the Emerson Ave. Community Garden Club as they do their precision wheel barrel drill!
AYSO has been alive and well for over 40 years.
A highlight every year, are these magnificent horses and their riders.
I didn’t post a picture of each entry; just a slice of what my hometown feels like!!
Bring on the Fireworks!
