When Debbie White was a kid living on Buckingham Place in Tustin, a big parade went by her house each year for the Fourth of July.
And thanks to her efforts — and those of others in her close-knit community — her children and other neighborhood families enjoy an annual parade to celebrate American independence … on the same street of her youth.
On Wednesday, she and her neighbors gathered to assemble their float. The parade’s theme this year is “Tustin Meadows, The Happiest Place on Earth,” and their entry is inspired by the Jungle Cruise, complete with animals drawn by a neighbor who is a former art teacher.
The float will join other homemade entries — as well as local dignitaries, a school marching band, Miss Tustin and her court, and the Tustin Unified teachers of the year — for the one-mile parade around the Tustin Meadows neighborhood of 935 homes. It kicks off at 11 a.m. from the community clubhouse.
It’s a tradition that marks its 56th anniversary this year. The week includes a community blood drive, a pancake breakfast, an ice cream social, a contest for kids decorating their bikes and more.
“It’s such a hometown event,” said White, who took over organizing the parade 15 years ago. Her husband, Lawrence, serves as emcee. “Everything is homemade, everything is done by volunteers.”
Following the parade, there will be a carnival in the local park with homemade games, a cakewalk, bounce houses and more – proceeds all go to helping the following year’s Fourth of July sparkle, White said.
Several neighbors helped put together the Buckingham Place float Wednesday. White said “people help by making drinks, painting, hammering.”
On Thursday, they might ride on the float or walk alongside it and the street’s youngsters — or visiting grandkids as is increasingly the case as the neighborhood ages — have to make the tough decision if they want to ride the float throwing candy to spectators or be in a position to catch the…
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