Celebrate Our Nation’s Birthday in Julian

The Julian 4th of July Parade honors stars, stripes and pioneers. Known far and wide as the “best little small town parade in America,” Julian presents a homegrown event that celebrates the town’s gold rush era history, the dedication of veterans and active duty military who serve our country, and local residents who cherish the special qualities of the little town tucked into the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.

Honor the stars and stripes this July Fourth, when the town salutes one of its most philanthropic organizations, the three branches of the local American Legion Post 468. These men and women not only have served our country, but they continue to support the Julian community and its non-profit organizations.

This year you can swing to the tunes of five bands, see the Mountain Tribal Gypsies dance down Main Street, honor Submarine veterans, marvel at a team of Clydesdale horses, and salute the founding of our town, the Richard Bailey family, the newly crowned Miss Julian and her entourage, vintage aircraft flyovers. There are bands, bunting, banners, flags, and patriotic songs.

Stay Late for More Music

A new 4th of July tradition begins on Thursday, as the first annual Independence Day Music in the Park kicks off.  Performances start just as the parade ends, at 1:30p.m., one block off Main Street at the Pioneer Park, corner of Washington Street and 4th Street. The park is across the street from the Candied Apple Pastry Company and the Rongbranch Restaurant.

Seven musical acts, representing a variety of musical genres, are each playing 30 minute sets:

  1. Jake’s Mountain: Janice Smith and Blake Rogers: Original Americana and Folk, guitars, a dulcimer and vocals.
  2. Mariachi Continental de San Diego: Led by Fredd Sanchez: Traditional mariachi music, with violins, trumpets, guitar and vocals.
  3. Trails and Rails: Paula Strong and Walt Richards: Cowboy tunes and train songs, guitar, banjo and vocals.
  4. Haywire: Kathleen Beck, Jim Lydick, and Jeff Holt: Original folk, guitars.
  5. Glen Smith: Classic rock and country, guitar.
  6. Fictional Thing: Josh and Alicia Rasmussen: Singer/songwriters, guitars.
  7. Cierra Rayne: Singer/Songwriter: Guitar and vocals.

This event is the result of the efforts of Janice Smith and Blake Rogers of the local Julian band Jake’s Mountain, and Ed Glass, owner of Butterfield Bed and Breakfast in Julian. The Pioneer Park is centrally located in downtown Julian, and has been the location of the annual Christmas tree-lighting program for nearly 20 years.

Food and soft drinks will be available at nearby restaurants. There are several picnic tables at the park, hay bales will be there for casual sitting, or bring a chair, umbrella or blanket and enjoy the music before rushing down the hill!