Toluca Lake rang in America’s 248th birthday the best way it knows how — with its spirited annual neighborhood parade. Residents of all ages joined in, putting on their best patriotic gear, decorating their bicycles and golf carts, dressing up their pets (including a mini cow) and waving their flags high to celebrate the nation’s independence on the Fourth of July.
This year’s festivities started with a bang, with a special surprise performance from resident and music superstar Dweezil Zappa, who kicked off the parade at 11 a.m. on the corner of Woodbridge Street with Jimi Hendrix’s legendary rendition of the national anthem. The procession marched and rode on from there, to the cheers of neighbors along the route, which included parts of Strohm and Ledge avenues and Bloomfield and Whipple streets.
The parade’s co-organizers, residents Kristen Dees, Daniella Garcia and Alessandra Torresani, built on a tradition started by community members years ago to provide a family-friendly July 4 gathering. “The event is very organic and all word of mouth. The moms pass out the flyers to the immediate neighbors a week before and it spreads from there,” Torresani shares. “I think it’s really important to remember how special Toluca Lake is and cherish its beautiful, homegrown community events.”
At the conclusion of the parade, attendees cooled off with sweet and refreshing treats from Sure Good Soft Serve, courtesy of event sponsor Kevin Dees, director of estates at The Agency.
“Toluca Lake is a community built on love, trust and help from others. The moms of the neighborhood just wanted to show their babies some good, old-fashioned fun, and I truly believe we exceeded expectations,” Torresani says. “Thank you to every person and fur baby who lives in this wonderful community. You showed up, supported and made this parade epic!”