Four for the Fourth: R.A.C.E., Parade, Coast Guard fest, Hornet fireworks 

Alameda’s Fourth of July Parade is the longest in the nation (and therefore, the world) with a route that spans 3.3 miles and features more than 170 entries, 2,500 participants, and 60,000 spectators. The hometown celebration includes floats, marching bands, 150 equestrians, dance troops, bands, classic cars and more. 

The parade is preceded by a 5K benefit run/walk named for former mayor Ralph Appezato: The Ralph Appezato Charity Event, or R.A.C.E., with 1,000 people expected to traverse along the parade route. After the parade, the third annual Alameda Coast Guard Festival takes place at Pier 3 at Alameda Point, near the USS Hornet, culminating with a view of the fireworks from the Hornet’s flight deck.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Park Street and end around 2 p.m. on Webster Street. The judging station will be located on Otis Drive at Park Street (across the street from Walgreens). For more information including detours, see www.alamedaparade.com.

Getting around during the parade

Keep in mind, getting around during the hours of the R.A.C.E. and parade can be quite difficult. Many streets in Alameda will be closed next Thursday, July 4, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

Closed streets include: Lincoln, from Grand Street to Park Street; Park Street from Buena Vista Avenue to Otis Drive; Otis from Park to Grand; Grand from Otis to Encinal Avenue; Encinal from Grand to Central Avenue; Central from Encinal to Webster Street and Webster from Central to Buena Vista.

Plan ahead, as some sections of the Gold Coast neighborhood south of Encinal will be completely inaccessible during the parade.

See the parade route map above  for a visual depiction of the areas affected by the parade.