As the sign in City Park proudly announces, we are a California Main Street City, so designated in 1987, and the annual Freedom Festival Torchlight Parade is about as “Main Street America” as it gets. A perennial favorite, Benicians come out in droves to line First Street’s mile-long route to watch the 105 parade entrants make their way slowly from the waterfront to the Gazebo.
One of downtown’s many events put on by Benicia Main Street, the parade will draw a crowd of an estimated 5,000 residents and visitors, who will descend on the street for prime viewing and to picnic, hobnob and generally enjoy the celebration honoring our nation’s 235th birthday. The parade is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Benicia Magazine will participate again this year, watch for us along the route! Torchlight Parade: July 3, 6-9pm; Fireworks: July 4, 9pm.
