Atwater to hold July 4 ‘Patriotic Porch Parade’ contest, in lieu of traditional event
News of Atwater’s annual 4th of July Celebration being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic was a disappointment to the thousands of people the event draws annually.
“It’s pretty devastating, but Atwater- we’re super strong,” Atwater Mayor Paul Creighton said of the traditional celebration being nixed, noting that up to 80,000 people attend.
However, the City of Atwater is being creative in finding ways to be festive, Creighton said. The city recently announced a “Patriotic Porch Parade” as an alternative way for residents to safely show their patriotism amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s absolutely beautiful, and so patriotic,” Creighton said of the porch parade idea. “It’s gonna be so much fun.”
The contest aims to decorate homes throughout the city, and the festivities will incur no cost upon the city, officials said.
The new event marks the first time since 1963 that Independence Day will be honored in Atwater without its traditional parade and fireworks show at the Castle Airport.
City officials said at the recent Atwater City Council meeting that it’s exciting to be able to continue the celebratory tradition in Atwater, albeit in a novel way.
How it works
Interested residents and store-owners can register for free on the city’s website until June 20. Once signed up, the destinations will appear on a virtual map showing the locations of all registered porches.
Porches, lawns, sidewalks and windows must be completely decorated by noon on June 20 and stay up until midnight of July 4. All must be appropriate for a family-friendly audience.
The week of July 4, judges will drive through Porch Parade neighborhoods to review the best and most creatively decorated porches.
Contest categories include: 1). Best Decorated Neighborhood, 2). Best Decorated Business and Home, 3). Most Patriotic Residence or Business, 4). Most Outstanding Decorations, 5). Best Inspiring Message and 6). Neighborhood Spirit.
Winners of each category will receive a prize, but details are still being worked out, city officials said.
Decorations with religious, political, ideological or controversial themes are prohibited. Political signs or political material is not permitted for the event.
Commercial marketing is not allowed either, but businesses are welcome to participate with a focus on bringing the community together amid coronavirus-related social restrictions.
Creighton urged those who do not want to participate in the judging to still decorate their homes without registering. Any elderly or disabled individuals who need assistance decorating are encouraged to reach out to City Council, he said.
Another idea the city is floating is a cruise night and car show at the freshly paved Winton Way. The large space would enable attendees to social distance safely outside.
“What a great way to celebrate one of the biggest pub works projects we’ve had in 20 years,” Creighton said.
Creighton said he is working with the police chief to see if its feasible to put the event together by July 4. If not, he said he hopes it could take place shortly after.
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 1:13 PM.
