Santa Monica's Main Street Independence Day Parade Extends Invitation to Pacific Palisades

SANTA MONICA, CA - Organizers of the Santa Monica Main Street Independence Day Parade have extended a warm invitation to Pacific Palisades community groups to participate in the 2025 celebration, fostering a spirit of regional unity. Set for July 4, 2025, the 19th annual parade will showcase the vibrant artistic spirit of Santa Monica, with this year's theme centered on "Celebrating the Arts." Discussions between Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades organizers aim to include Palisadian representatives in the event, marking a collaborative effort to strengthen community ties along the Westside.

The Santa Monica parade, kicking off at 9:30 a.m. at Main Street and Pico Boulevard, will proceed south to Marine Street, featuring floats, performances, and community groups that highlight the city's creative culture. Organizers are encouraging Pacific Palisades groups, such as the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA), to join the procession, potentially with their own floats or performers. This invitation follows recent talks reported by Patch and Circling the News, where PAPA expressed openness to integrating Palisadian representatives into Santa Monica's event while maintaining their own long-standing July 4th celebration.

Pacific Palisades has a storied tradition of hosting its own 78th annual Fourth of July celebration, which includes a 5K/10K run, a parade on Sunset Boulevard, and an evening festival at Palisades Charter High School featuring live music, food trucks, and a drone show. PAPA organizers have indicated that while they are committed to their local event, they see the Santa Monica invitation as an opportunity for cross-community collaboration. A nostalgic Facebook post from a Palisades resident recalled the community's pride in its parade, suggesting that participation in Santa Monica's event could amplify this spirit.

The collaboration stems from a shared desire to celebrate Independence Day with broader regional participation, especially as both communities navigate budget constraints and public safety concerns. Santa Monica's parade, supported by sponsors and volunteers, is a car-free event that transforms Main Street into a festive corridor, much like its summer SOULstice Festival. The inclusion of Pacific Palisades could bring groups like the Palisades Baseball Association or Girl Scouts of Palisades-Malibu, previously featured in their own parade, to Santa Monica's vibrant showcase.

Mary Leipziger

2018 Main Street Independence Day parade. File photo

Santa Monica's call for participation comes amid heightened community engagement following events like the June 14 "No Kings" protest and ongoing debates over public safety, as highlighted in the Santa Monica Police Department's 2024 crime report. The parade offers a positive outlet for unity, with organizers urging groups to apply via http://www.santamonicaparade.com to walk, play, or ride in the event. Pacific Palisades' involvement could set a precedent for future joint celebrations, though some Palisadians remain protective of their distinct tradition.