Everyone Loves a Parade Join the Fun July 4th 10 am 10th Street Alamogordo

Everyone loves a good small-town parade and people seem to really come out in Alamogordo for 2 parades; the Fourth of July and the Christmas parades. 

The excitement, the community pride, the creativity and the DIY aspects of building a float, or marching with one’s favorite club, business or charity not to mention the many different ways to participate can be truly entertaining. 

.During my lifetime, I’ve experienced parades from several vantage points and have been involved in large parades in Manhattan and San Francisco and small town parades such as in Clarksville Tennessee, Napa California and in Alamogordo, New Mexico. I’ve been seated in the crowd, marching with my high school and college, and riding along the route in the back of a car or atop a float. Each experience has offered a fresh perspective and equal amounts of fun! 

But there’s something about a Fourth of July parade in Alamogordo that seems to bring a little something extra to the experience. Maybe it’s the sunbaked heat of desert weather or the little extra boost of pride as we celebrate both our community and our country with our special military presence.

Or maybe it’s the way these parades become a part of our traditions, whether this place is your home or home away from home, rather local or here in the military for a short installment of time. 

This years parade is hosted by AFSA and they have added the addition of a street party after on New York Avenue with food vendors and crafters. That is a new twist which should add additional fun and flair to the event.

Many local organizations and businesses are building their contingents and floats.  At AlamogordoTownNews.org and KALHRadio.org our staff opted to help Commissioner Sharon McDonald with her float. This is the first year for her to enter a float which is crafted to bring awareness to the duty of community volunteering and the importance and pride which comes through community cleanups;  such as the citywide one planned for July 20th, 2024 from 7 am to noon.

Her float will have an artistic flair as a tribute to nature, the community gardens in her district aided by With Many Hands and the beauty of a landscaped and clean Alamogordo. The float will have a nod to nature, with a patriotic call for duty and civic engagement to help keep Alamogordo clean and beautiful. 

Other planned floats will have a more traditional patriotic themes, and new groups will be joining this year, to include the US Veterans Motorcycle Club Trinity Chapter with a presence reminding the community of their support for Veterans Causes.

The Fourth of July parade ending near New York Avenue dates back to the early 1900s with its founding. Over the years, it has attracted many longtime participants – both individuals and businesses – and it has consisted of fire trucks, business floats, horses, military vehicles, marching bands, classic cars and more. 

The variety of creativity on display is definitely a draw for both spectators and participants. Parades are also an opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity all the while showing community commitment, support and patriotism. 

Families and children always love a parade. The wonder in their eyes not only grab at my heart, but it’s a memory many will carry with them forever.  And all because of something as simple as the small-town parade. Come on out and join the fun Thursday at 10 am on 10th Street then pop down to New York Avenue afterwards and may the fun continue.