4th of JULY on the Coast!!
The 4th of July is always a special time here on the coast. There are 2 different displays of fireworks; one in Point Arena out on the pier and the other in the town of Gualala overlooking the mouth of the Gualala River. In addition to all the pyrotechnics, there is the homespun parade in Point Arena where they actually shut down Coast Highway #1 for approximately 45 minutes, while the local display goes on down the main street of Point Arena! At the end of the parade, it's always amazing to see the occupants of the cars that have finally been allowed to go through town realize "they are IN the parade", most laugh and wave to the crowds that are still along the sides of the street! The parade is eclectic at best, but it warms your heart to see small town America is "full swing". The local fire department has the truck with sirens going and the firemen throwing candy to the waiting children, the local horsemen are in full regalia, and there is an assortment of dancers, local non-profit groups with various "floats" and even a "Love Brigade" which won the parade in 2005. Least one think that the "Summer of Love" has moved to the coast, the love brigade are all golden retrievers with their owners walking along side!
This year the "Patriot Days" return to Gualala. A group of Revolutionary Period re-enactors in full regalia will move into Gualala and establish "encampment behind the Gualala Hotel. On July 7th & 8th many of the town's people will be declared "seditionists and traitors to King George" and arrested and placed in a specially built British jail on the front porch of the 103 year old Gualala Hotel. The accused must post bail money that will be used for local non-profit projects. Additional historical activities include 18th century artists and musket demonstrations, Skirmishes, crafts and fashions of the era. All 4th of July activities will be over the weekend of July 7th & 8th.