“America, My Home Sweet Home” was the theme of the 2016 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest’s Fourth of July parade, and thousands of participants and spectators displayed their patriotism like only a small town can during Monday’s all-day-and-night South County celebration.
Local organizers offered a wide array of events and activities surrounding the Independence Day weekend with a youth chorus performing patriotic tunes, a family-centered music fest in downtown, a 5K run (and 1-mile walk) on local streets, a classic car show, a 2,500-participant parade and a massive fireworks display for a night cap.
Everyone was invited to the party, from near and far, such as the Walchuk family of Richmond. They planned a local stay for the entire Fourth of July weekend, which included competing in the early morning 5K run before watching the parade and then fireworks.
“It definitely is fun to be together, especially as the kids get older,” said Nick Walchuk, who was accompanied by his wife Natalie and children Nolan, 13, Dominic, 9, and Mia, 14. They all completed the Freedom Run’s 5K course and had prime spots along the parade path.
“We came to town just for the event and we’re vacationing in Morgan Hill,” explained Natalie, who was enjoying the small-town hospitality in her first trip to Morgan Hill. “We were Googling around (for 5K holiday runs) and found it.”
Also tackling the 5k as a family were the Gomes, who returned to Morgan Hill after spending two years abroad in Germany. Morgan Hill native Todd Gomes was glad to be back in the town where he was born and raised.
“This is the first time we all ran the 5k as a family so it makes for a very memorable occasion,” Todd Gomes said. “A family that runs together, stays together.”
He was joined by wife Mirka and children Sophia, 10, and Eva, 8, who both attend Oakwood School.
“They were all ready to go and excited (for the race),” Mirka said. “We just came back to Morgan Hill so we’re all excited to be here.”
Swarms of families and friends positioned themselves along the parade route that weaves through the downtown on Monterey Road and makes turns on Main, Peak and Dunne avenues. A local tradition has residents placing their chairs and reserving spots along the parade route more than a week in advance of July 4.
Matt Wicklander never has a problem finding a good seat since he purchased a home three years ago directly on Main Avenue where the parade passes right by.
“Every year we get more friends and family members to show up,” said Wicklander, who also hosted a barbecue in his backyard after the parade. “We like the small town community feel here in Morgan Hill. We like to say we’re San Jose refugees in Morgan Hill.”
The Fourth of July festivities—which included a July 3 Patriotic Sing in the Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheater and the Family Music Fest on Third Street—are organized by local Independence Day Celebration volunteers.
The nonprofit, which is “committed to reinforcing and sustaining the principles of American freedom in our community through Independence Day events of the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest,” fundraises more than $150,000 and encompasses more than 500 volunteers each year to organize and produce the weeklong activities.
Organizers estimate more than 50,000 parade watchers showed up for the spectacle that includes more than 2,500 participants, including marching bands, colorful floats, a variety of performance groups and numerous specialty entities.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Eddie Bowers, a 1967 Live Oak High School alumnus who served in the U.S. Army.
Ed and Marilyn Mays were perched on the corner of Peak and Main. They moved to Morgan Hill a year ago from Napa. Ed served in the Korean War as a mechanic with the Marines.
“This is one of the highlights of my life,” Ed Mays said. “It’s a time to remember all of our fallen comrades and pray for peace everyday.”
Ed’s son, Daren Mays, of Morgan Hill, served four years in the Air Force, and has attended the annual parade close to two decades. They get together with longtime neighbors, friends and family each year.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Daren’s son, Chad, 15, a sophomore at Sobrato High School. “It’s a time to relax and not worry about anything and have fun.”
Holding his 2-year-old daughter Adelyn was San Jose resident Andrew Wachter, who was impressed with the endless stream of classic cars that roared by in the annual car cruise that precedes the parade of floats.
“We love it, the small town feel. You don’t get that in San Jose,” Andrew said. “It’s all about getting together with friends and families.”
After the parade and leading into the evening festivities, thousands gathered at the sports complex on Condit Road for the “Fireworks on the Green” extravaganza that included live performances, food trucks and bounce houses. Shortly after 9:30 p.m., the fireworks show awed many as patriotic tunes played in unison with sky-high sparks of colorful lights bursting in air above East Morgan Hill.
