It was at least 111 years ago that Morgan Hill first recognized
the nation
’s independence with a celebration involving the entire town.
Now, the annual event has evolved into one of the most prestigious
celebrations in Northern California and volunteers with Morgan
Hill’s Independence Day Incorporated are busy getting ready for
this year’s festivities IDI president
Daryl Manning said this year’s event will be “bigger and better
than ever.”
It was at least 111 years ago that Morgan Hill first recognized the nation’s independence with a celebration involving the entire town.
Now, the annual event has evolved into one of the most prestigious celebrations in Northern California and volunteers with Morgan Hill’s Independence Day Incorporated are busy getting ready for this year’s festivities IDI president Daryl Manning said this year’s event will be “bigger and better than ever.”
Leading off is the annual Firecracker Golf Tournament Friday, July 1. This year, the tournament has been moved to the Coyote Creek Golf Club.
On Sunday, July 3, the Patriotic Sing featuring elementary school students will be held from 6 to 7pm at the Britton Middle School gym.
Immediately after, the downtown streets will be closed off for a street dance from 7 to 10pm. The Dadz will entertain the crowds with hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The Fourth of July starts off with the 5k run/walk and the first annual one mile Kevin Kamp children’s run at 8am.
Santa Clara County’s only Fourth of July parade starts at precisely 10am to celebrate “America, My Home Sweet Home,” this year’s theme.
The course begins at Fourth Street and heads north on Monterey Road. It then turns left on Main Avenue and heads down to Peak Avenue. The parade heads south on Peak and then east on Dunne Avenue, ending at Fifth Street.
A record 20 floats have signed up with about 2,250 participants from Morgan Hill and around the Bay Area.
Co-event chairpersons Maureen and Bob Hunt said they have tried to keep the parade relatively small to preserve the home town feel and keep onlookers entertained.
“We try not to get too large,” Bob Hunt said. “People can’t sit through a parade much longer than two hours, they’ll start to get bored.”
But Maureen Hunt said what they lack in size, they make up for in quality.
“As far as quality, we are growing immensely,” Hunt said.
Following the parade, the festivities shift to the Community Park for the Family Fun Festival from 11:30am-7pm.
Bands will play throughout the day into the night leading up to the fireworks at 10pm.
Parking is available along Edmundson Avenue and is free this year because the new recreation center is being constructed on what was the old parking lot.
To make up for the loss in parking revenues, the first 1,000 people who make a $10 donation will receive a Thomas Kinkade picture.
This will be the 111th parade and celebration in Morgan Hill that can be documented. Manning said the IDI only has records dating back to 1894, the first year the Morgan Hill Times published.
The Hunts, who first came to Morgan Hill in 1970, said they have enjoyed watching the parade grow.
The core of the parade was still the same: There were floats, people on horseback, children marching, decorated bikes and plenty of bands.
The largest difference they recognize is the location. Before U.S. 101 was extended, traffic went through what is now the parade route. So for years, the parade was held north of town starting near Cochrane Road and traveling down Monterey Road into town.
But with the creation of Butterfield Boulevard and the extension of 101, Bob Hunt said recent parades have been ideal.
“That made it so convenient,” Hunt said. “We never would be able to do it without the opening of the freeway.”
For all the planning that goes on, Manning said it all comes down to the turn out, which she said continues to break records year after year.
“I’ve seen this grow tremendously,” Manning said. “We are quickly becoming a larger draw from outside the community.”
IDI is still looking for volunteers and donations. For details or more information on the festivities, call 779-3387 or visit www.mhidi.com.
Morgan Hill’s IDI July 4 Events
Friday, July 1
• Firecracker Golf Tournament
Registration, noon, Coyote Creek Golf Club
Sunday, July 3
• Patriotic Sing Festival, 6-7pm, Britton Middle School Gym, downtown
• Street Dance, 7-10:30pm, Second and Monterey streets, downtown.
Monday, July 4
• 5K Race, 8-9:30am, downtown.
• Historic Downtown Parade, 10am-noon, downtown.
• Family Fun Festival, 11:30am-7pm, Community Park
• Entertainment Show and Fireworks Display, 7-10pm, Community Park
