Alameda’s Fourth of July Parade was brought back to the Island City after a two-year pause due to COVID-19. More than 170 floats took part in the event. Every facet of the city was represented at the parade. Along with organizations like Alameda Food Bank and Veterans Groups of Alameda, public officials, sponsors, and herds of horses and equestrians — and the people shoveling up after them — dance troupes, marching bands, antique cars and more made an appearance.

Some organizations chose to make political statements with their float entries. One organization used their platform to oppose the Supreme Court’s recent decision to eliminate people’s Federal right to an abortion. Other organizations made other political statements at the event.

Several City of Alameda and Alameda County political figures opened the parade. Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft chose an environmentally friendly approach to the parade by riding an electric bicycle through the parade route. Councilmembers Tony Daysog and Trish Herrera Spencer rode by in sleek convertibles. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and his California state assembly member wife Mia Bonta were at the beginning of the parade succession line. Then Alameda County Board of Supervisor hopefuls

Lena Tam and Rebecca Kaplan made their way through the parade. Both candidates are headed for a runoff for the district 3 seat in November. U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee was also present at the parade. She was met with cheers from onlookers as she drove by in a fancy ride.

Alameda’s Fourth of July Parade is the longest in the nation with a route that spans 3.3 miles. It’s estimated that more than 2,500 people participated in the parade and there were more than 60,000 spectators throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

The parade route began at the intersection of Park Street and Santa Clara Avenue and ended at the intersection of Webster Street and Lincoln Avenue.