Huntington Beach’s annual 4th of July Celebration encompasses four days of events, featuring fireworks over the Huntington Beach Pier, the longest parade west of the Mississippi River, the Huntington Beach Pier Festival, 5K walk/run, pancake breakfast and more. Fireworks, parade viewing, and Pier Festival are free, though premium bleachers seat tickets are available for purchase for the fireworks and parade.

Among the famous who have presided over the parade in years past are Hollywood movie stars Jayne Mansfield, Natalie Wood, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Dorothy Lamour, Mickey Rooney (and Mickey Mouse!) and a true American hero, astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The best legend goes that during his presidency, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s entourage was on its way through town, headed for San Diego, as the parade was going on.

Source : Suvarna Chaudhari