History

On July 4^th, the 12^th Annual Arcadia Neighborhood Parade and Pot Luck Breakfast will be held. Over a thousand patriots will descend upon the southeast corner of Jokake and Calle Tuberia to celebrate Independence Day. Called by some a “do it yourself” parade, Arcadians young and old decorate their bikes, cars and even themselves for this annual event.

From its humble beginnings, the parade was about the people, not a specific sponsor or other commercialized entity. Although the committee accepts donations to defer the operating costs, the parade is kept free to participants. The focus is honoring our country, troops, community and families with a local event that celebrates what is great about being an American.

The parade’s genesis began in Cape Girardeu, Missouri where Johanna Boslin remembers walking in her neighborhood parade wearing a neatly pressed Scout uniform “waving the red, white and blue.” Years later, she and her family took up a tradition in of planting flags in her neighbor’s yards on Memorial Day, Labor Day and of course…the 4^th of July.  In 1996, Bud Katz called to thank her for the flag.  He said “the flags looked so beautiful, flapping in the breeze. With the sun just rising, now all we need is a parade.”

With 300 hand made fliers, the message was sent far and wide…Arcadia would have a parade!  Neighbor Renee Weymouth had even been recently crowned Mrs. Arizona, so there was even a queen for the first year. Bud Katz helped organize the small committee which that is still the driving force today. Over 200 people participated including the fire department with its red fire truck leading the way followed by the American Legion Color Guard.

Each year, the parade and pot luck continued to grow.  Last year, an estimated 1000 participants celebrated the 4^th in style. There are even local merchant who donate prizes which are distributed at the end of the parade. Sponsors from the start include the City of Phoenix Fire Department, WR Williams Jewelers, Safeway, Hair Tradition, Arcadia News, APS, Prince of Peace Church, Scottsdale Trombone Choir, and Scottsdale Bible Church. Recent contributors are Bandera Restaurant, Office Max, Baskin Robbins, Wild Oats, Don and Charlie’s Restaurant, Channel 3 TV, Arcadia Pride, Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association, The Village Fitness Club, and Einstein Bagels.

Now the volunteer crew distributes 2,000 fliers courtesy of Arcadia News. They help set up and break down tables and chairs, judge the contest, and make homemade posters to let people know about the parade. Over the years, many have supported the parade. Through the efforts of Kevin Riley, Vicky and Eric Ossowski, and Bill O’Connor, the parade continues to grow. Newer neighborhood members have taken the lead including Kim Brazsky, Joanna Peters, and Jana Vida. Other busy bees are Sally Geyer, Louise and Peter Haynes, Diane and Jack Green, Margery Merrill, Karen Pines, Gail Peterson, and the Wilcoxson, Cohen and Metler families.