Americana was on display in South Pasadena Thursday as there was no shortage of red, white and blue.
With the days festivities kicking off at the South Pasadena Fire Department, the Kiwanis Club served up fresh griddle cakes and coffee.
Members of the City Council, SPPD, SPFD, and even state representatives mingled with the crowd as they enjoyed either an early morning, or midday breakfast.
State Senator Anthony Portantino and Assemblymember Chris Holden even joined in, donning their aprons to help serve up a hearty meal.
Just blocks away the day shifted into high gear with the Festival of Balloons Opening Ceremonies over on the steps of the South Pasadena Public Library.
It was much more than a day for parades, picnics and fireworks. Celebrating Fourth of July, the city’s Mayor, Dr. Marina Khubesrian, asked everyone to remember the sacrifices that were made by previous generations in the defense of freedom.
“As we know, the struggle is not over and it doesn’t come easily,” she told a large gathering, including Boy Scouts, lining the walkway leading to the South Pasadena Library Community Room during the opening ceremonies for the Festival of Balloons in South Pasadena. “So we must continue to uphold and defend the values set forth by the founders – values of democracy, liberty and individual rights.”
Khubesrian let the large crowd know this year’s parade theme, being the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, “reminds us that when we unite in support of a common goal, the sky is the limit.”
“To the Moon and Beyond: 50 Years of Exploring America’s Freedom” carried the daylong festivities following the opening ceremonies, the city’s traditional parade down Mission Street began, with the route ending at Garfield Park where games, activities and food were plentiful, and finally a dazzling fireworks show at the local high school when the sun went down.
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After introducing members of the city staff, City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe exclaimed, “It’s one of the best events in Southern California.”
School Board Clerk Michele Kipke took the opportunity at the microphone, noting: “It’s such an exciting day here in South Pasadena,” before recognizing other Board of Education members. “The South Pasadena Unified School District loves being a part of this day.”
The Board of Education has faced some opposition in recent weeks by a small group of LGBTQ studies in South Pasadena classrooms, leaving Kipke the perfect opportunity to convey a message shared by others on the 5-member panel at school board meeting in late June. “As we honor our nation’s history, let us celebrate the diversity of our community and let us fight for inclusiveness for all,” she said at the podium.
Many families of students took part in the 38th annual Fourth of July Parade from Diamond Avenue east to Garfield Park on Mission Street. Kipke paid tribute to 5th grade students who designed posters that were hung up and down the parade route on light poles, adding to the patriotic atmosphere in abundance.
During the opening ceremonies, Festival of Balloons’ Committee Member Joe Payne announced the winners of the annual poster contest – Katelyn Kim, of Marengo, followed by second place finisher Naya Holden of Arroyo Vista and Aislinn Meza of Monterey Hills, taking third. They showcased their posters down the parade route and were recognized prior to the fireworks show.
Co-Grand Marshals Jessica Samuels and Mark Swain came to the microphone, recognizing America’s achievement of landing on the moon 50 years ago. “There’s still so much still ahead of us,” said Samuels. “We’re excited to see what’s ahead. There’s so much more out there, exploring the next thing.”
After assisting with development and rocket engine testing, Samuels was inspired to combine studies in both space and science to pursue a career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Samuels has served in various spacecraft development, mission implementation, and Laboratory management roles over the past 18 years. She had contributed her expertise, ranging from test, design, and operation of JPL’s robotic exploration of the surface of Mars, as well as in leadership roles of a vast array of teams that make it all come together.
She and her husband, Bryan, and two children, Phoebe, 5, and Amelia, 8, enjoy making South Pasadena their home.
In her Fourth of July message, Samuels encouraged young people to “stick with your studies, whatever you’re interested in and continue to work hard. Really enjoy it. You really can do anything. You all have a series of explorations ahead of you.”
Dr. Mark Swain, who received his Ph.D. in physics and astronomy from the University of Rochester in 1996, is a principle scientist and supervisor for the Exoplanet Discovery and Science Group at JPL.
A quick, fun fact, revealed by Swain following his introduction: “My family and I have moved to South Pas three times in the last 20 years,” he said. “It’s because we think this is an absolutely fabulous community. It’s really, really a great place to be part of. It’s super special for me to be here with you today helping celebrate our nation’s independence and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon.”
