The 24th Annual Oceanside Independence Parade will honor three Hometown Heroes. Starting at 10 a.m. at the intersection of North Coast Highway and Wisconsin Avenue, the parade will travel north on Coast Highway to Civic Center Drive. More than 100 parade entries are expected to march, roll, walk and drive down historic Highway 101.
 
The grand marshal of this year’s parade and the first Hometown Hero to be recognized is Jim Wood, former mayor of Oceanside. An Oceanside resident since 1955, Wood spent almost all of his adult life in public service. Wood was an Oceanside police officer for 31 years before serving as a councilmember and mayor for the last 16 years. He retired in January.
 
“Our ‘Hometown Heroes’ theme was selected to celebrate those like Wood who have made an extraordinary difference in the Oceanside community. Come out in your best patriotic duds and wave your American flags as we pay tribute to them, along with our nation, our city and our local businesses.”
 
“We owe so much to our Oceanside community partners and parade sponsors,” said MainStreet Oceanside’s executive director, Rick Wright. “Without their support, it would be very tough to continue the legacy that this parade represents to our city residents."
 
A local tradition since 1892, the Oceanside Independence Parade is made possible by the assistance of over 100 volunteers.

Viewing of the parade is available from the sidewalks along the entire route. Spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs. The highest concentration of viewers will be on the north end of the route past Seagaze Drive.

Parking

Street parking is available on the residential side streets that run parallel to the entire route (Freeman and Tremont Streets). Over 1,000 parking spaces are available in the downtown parking lots and the parking structure (to enter the downtown area from the East, you will have to cross Coast Highway at Oceanside Blvd. or Surfrider Way). Parking time limits may be enforced for street parking and parking lots - watch for the signs.