Carlsbad’s Fourth of July parade largest ‘anyone has seen in years,’ mayor says

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway detailed a fun and lively Independence Day weekend in his city that refused to be dampened by an afternoon storm, noting the morning parade was the largest “anyone has seen in years” and crediting Precision Fireworks and the Carlsbad Fire Department for “another fantastic fireworks show.”

“Independence Day is a very special celebration for many Carlsbad residents, but word has also gotten out and this year’s celebration drew a large number of guests from out of town,” Mayor Janway stated in his recap of the weekend’s events. “We look forward to celebrating an even bigger event next year.”

The festivities kicked off with the Liberty and Legacy event Saturday night, which featured live music and special recognition for nominated Carlsbad residents. During the event, Billi Grandi gave “a very special tribute” to his fellow Silver Creek Band members Chuck Thompson, Paul Thompson, Don Thompson and Tish Linville Garland.

“Hall of fame musician Sonny Throckmorton received a plaque recognizing July 3, 2022, as ‘Sonny Throckmorton Day,” Janway said.

The evening was capped by the Chamber of Commerce’s Electric Boat Parade.

Speaking of parades, Mayor Janway lauded Kat Davis of Carlsbad MainStreet, Lupe Ornelas and other organizers of the Fourth of July parade on Monday that ended with a ceremony to honor WWII and Korean War era veterans.

“Thank you to Danny Fletcher, the Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard, Sarah Cordova, Rhonda Hatch and Destry McDonald. Many other individuals, including members of our law enforcement community, Joy Springer, Jeri Strong and Steve Angel, made this ceremony special,” Janway said.

A storm that brought rain and wind to Carlsbad Monday afternoon caused “damage across town,” knocking out the bandshell area’s sound system and threatening to cancel all of the scheduled live music. But the band, Grupo Maldad, provided a backup system, enabling both itself and other bands to perform.

The mayor added that a storm threatened to spoil the fireworks show, as well, but “took a sudden turn east” just before reaching Carlsbad.