Hundreds Turn Out For Martinez Fourth of July Parade - Thousands for Fireworks

The day began with the raising of the flag at the Veteran's Memorial Hall, then it was on to pancakes, eggs and sausage at Roxx on Main, as staff and volunteers scrambled eggs and skills to serve the hungry masses. Shortly after, hundreds of men, women and children lined Main Street from Court Street to Alhambra Avenue, and the annual 4th of July Parade was on. 

It began and ended with a Martinez police escort. In between, veterans and dancers and martial arts practioners paraded their talents, along with a unicyclist, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, a bookworm and a host of other participants, all of whom were greeted by an enthusiastic and very appreciative crowd. 

Then, as the day turned toward late afternoon, Martinez once again became the place to be as hundreds of cars competed for parking, and folks from throughout the county found their favorite viewing spot. Then, at 9:30 p.m., the first bright blaze of pyrotechnic poetry shattered the sky, to the delight of everyone. For the next 30 minutes, the sky was the pallete for a salute to our nation, painted in light and sound. And this year, the finale was truly a sight to behold, taking the collective breath away. 

Finally, it was over, and the annual traffic nightmare on Berrellesa Street and Escobar began, as those yearly visitors once again were reminded that there is really only two ways out of town. 

What did you think about this year's Fourth of July celebration? Tell us in the comments.