July 8, 2004

Life’s a parade

Independence Day parades, events draw spirited crowds in Almaden

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

With war waged under fragmented opinion and political emotion running at unprecedented levels, Almaden residents from all schools of thought appeared especially spirited this past Sunday, celebrating America’s independence. Two Almaden subdivisions in particular set milestones, gaining participation from approximately 300 residents in Almaden Park and Montevideo.

“It’s important to honor our country’s heritage and celebrate our independence,” said Almaden Park event coordinator, Becky Trovato. “Given the troops fighting overseas, more and more Americans feel the significance of this holiday. We’ve been celebrating here in Almaden Park for better than 10 years running and this is really one of the more fun events we do through the cabana.”

This year, the event drew out a diverse crowd including an elite group of cats and dogs, a San Jose fire unit, too many kids to count and even a horse. Trovato successfully organized the herd well enough to guide them up Bret Harte Drive, left down Burnside onto Via Valiente and back up to Bret Harte completing a full circle, bicycle/walking parade. Kids decorated their bikes, suspending patriotic streamers in mid-air as the operators cruised around the neighborhood.

Asked how it’s done, organizing such a large group of participants into one, fairly synchronous expression, Trovato explained nonchalantly, “posting signs around town, publishing a short article in the community newsletter and calling the firehouse.”

Following the parade, the residents turned into the Almaden Cabana facility, home of the Dolphins, for games, food and prizes. “There were lots of events,” continued Trovato. “My favorite was the lifeguards versus the parents in watermelon capture.” Whoever gets the watermelon to their side of the pool first, wins, in the age-old watermelon capture. “It might sound easy, but it’s not. It’s actually a very competitive event,” added Trovato. This year the victory went to the lifeguards.

“We have a community that loves to socialize,” she finished. “This is just one more reason to get together. It’s also a great way to meet the new neighbors.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of town in Montevideo, residents threw a celebration of gargantuan proportions, organizing a parade, including approximately 20 floats, Boy Scout Troop 281, a mini-marching band, and roughly 200 hundred spectators and participants. The parade donned various themes street by street. Subjects included mining camps, 60s style and politics50s pop culture, the Wild West and the prehistoric, “Flinstone Age.”

According to local legend, 2004 marked the 36th year that residents have rallied troops, organizing the parade on such large scale. The Montevideo homeowners association is responsible for the celebration, undergoing the initial planning stages several months prior to the event.

Typically, the parade route begins on Montevideo, heads up Camden Avenue through Puerto Vallarta Drive, down Vera Cruz, Monte Verde, Monte Allegro and Montellano, before one last pass through Camden.

An awards ceremony recognizing excessive spirit and original innovation followed the parade, before residents headed to the Montevideo Cabana Club for additional games and barbecue.