The Ocean Park Association is calling for nominations from the community for the grand marshal of the fourth annual Main Street Fourth of July Parade.
“The parade is a celebration of Santa Monica by Santa Monicans,” said OPA board member Lori Nafshun, the chief organizer of the 2010 parade. “Having a grand marshal is a wonderful opportunity to thank a leader in our community who has made a real difference… and to lead the procession down Main Street past thousands of residents.”
The parade takes place on the morning of July 4th. In the past it has started at the Santa Monica Civic Center, run down Main Street to Marine Street, and ended in the southern-most Santa Monica beach parking lot. The parade is produced by OPA with help from local business, community groups and residents.
“This is our fourth year and the parade has become a beloved local tradition with approximately 700 participants from all walks of Santa Monica life and several thousand enthusiastic spectators,” Nafshun said.
The only criterion for nominees is that they be active in the Santa Monica community. The grand marshal selection is made by the OPA parade organizing committee. The honoree will be announced in April, once their willingness and availability on the morning of July 4th is confirmed.
Past grand marshals include Santa Monica Police Chief Tim Jackman, retired Santa Monica Fire Chief Jim Hone, and retired Roosevelt Elementary Principal Jerry Harris.
Residents are asked to email in the name of nominees with their thoughts as to why the person should be honored, by March 12th to contact@opa-sm.org.
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