Daughters of the American Revolution’s John Sutter Chapter present a float to honor military veterans.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Surviving one of the hottest July 4 processions in recent history, hundreds of patriots, horses, dogs and vehicles last week made the two-mile trek down Fair Oaks Boulevard.

Though the heat (90 degrees and rising by 11 a.m.) reduced crowds, sidewalk supporters stood their ground to applaud the 64th Carmichael Elks Parade. Grand Marshal was Dave Kovar, a local business leader whose martial arts students have provided a high-kicking pageant contingent for many years.

El Camino High School band contributed patriotic anthems and Carmichael Church of God youth added a clip-clop with miniature ponies in their “Keepers of the Kingdom” battalion.

El Camino High School band’s music sets a sprightly marching pace.

VIPS included Congressman Ami Bera, Assemblyman Josh Hoover and Supervisor Rich Desmond.

Garnering even more cheers was 100-year-old Chuck Schumate, who served the Army in World War II and wore a U.S. Air Force uniform for the Korean War.

Borrowing a bicycle from a parade participant, Sacramento County Supervisor Rich Desmond circles the Milagro Centre parking lot staging area.

“It was my first parade and probably my last,” said the centenarian. “I much prefer being in the background. But the public’s response to me made the experience enjoyable, even though it was hot as blazes.”

“I had water in the car, but by the time I got to the Elks Lodge, I was ready for something even cooler,” Schumate added.

Announcing participants at the review stand was Elk Jim Warrick (75), whose family has run the behemoth procession for all of its 64 years.

“I was in my first parade at 10 years old,” Warrick said. “I still feel the same excitement about it every year. I love to see the community together, celebrating American liberty.”

“We’ve made a big comeback since COVID closed us down for two years,” Warrick noted. “We’re already planning for 2025: we’ve got a Grand Marshal (ARC football coach John Osterhout) lined up and we’re hoping to add more bands. Despite the heatwave, I was pleased with the number of people who came out last Thursday. We hope Mother Nature will be kinder to us next year.”

Parade VIPS include Carmichael CID Director Nick Bloise (left), volunteer driver Karen Abdo (with pooch Peewee), County Supervisor Rich Desmond, 2024 Grand Marshal Dave Kovar, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce President Rosie Buck and Carmichael Improvement District Chair James Eowan.

In advance of the Glorious Fourth, La Sierra Community Center hosted a “Red White and Blue Celebration” that exploded a 20-minute firework display.  More than 3,000 supporters applauded the pyrotechnics.

Red, White and Blue sponsors included Carmichael and Mission Oaks Park Districts; Gateway Community Charters (GCC) Virtual Academy; Food in the Hood; Carmichael Parks Foundation; Buck Family Automotive and K-ZAP.org.

Complete with ponies and Mediaeval props, Carmichael Church of God youth stage a “Keepers of the Kingdom” battalion.

Parade sponsors included Carmichael Elks; Kovar’s Karate; El Rancho School; Carmichael Kiwanis; the Carmichael Times; the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars; Carmichael Chamber of Commerce; Blain Stumpf Fencing; Carmichael Improvement District; All Stage Canine development; John Palmer; St, John's School; Chris Bish for Congress; Daughters of the American Revolution; Sons of the American Revolution, Nick Bloise for San Juan School Board; Bonney Plumbing; Harold Argueta; SMUD; Carmichael Kiwanis Club; Kovar Satori Academy; Carmichael Water District; and Buck Family Automotive.

American River College football players manned street barricades.