The 55th Piedmont Fourth of July parade returned to fine form after a two-year pandemic hiatus on Monday, as residents and friends lined Highland Avenue to celebrate the Independence Day holiday. The theme this year was “Remember Why it’s the Fourth of July” and UCSF epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford — recognized for his service to the community during the COVID public health emergency — served as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Amy McKenzie sang the National Anthem and Mayor Teddy Gray King gave the welcoming remarks.
The slightly chilly morning began with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Piedmont Community Service Crew at Veterans Hall.
Checking in for the pancake breakfast at the Veteran’s Hall 
Piedmont Community Service Crew members Kyra Dang and Holland Feinberg cook up pancakes 
The Piedmont Community Service Crew serves breakfast to the community 
The service crew serves up pancakes, fruit, sausages and more 
This year dining options included indoors and “al fresco”
The parade consisted of more than 30 classic cars spanning the ages, many carrying local elected officials and other notable guests, including Saturday Night Live‘s Chloe Fineman, a PHS grad. After the parade made its way past Piedmont Park, the crowd followed to enjoy music by Dave Martin’s House Party and food prepared by the Scouts.
The festivities were organized by the 4th of July Parade Committee that included Carla Betts (chair), Roland Lazzorotto (parade starter), Patty Edmonds (announcer), John Morrison (vehicle coordinator), Greg Bloom, Carolyn Bruck, Michael Bruck, Gray Cathrall, Kimberly Gray, Kathy Kelleher, Paula Klein, Chelle Putzer, and Marilyn Weber.
Award Winners
(Judges: Grand Marshal George Rutherford, Mayor Teddy Gray King, and School Board member Megan Pillsbury)
Highland Cup: Piedmont Recreation Department
Highland Saucer: Piedmont Community Service Crew
Highland Spoons: Girl Scouts
Best Spirit: 1915 Ford Race Car (yellow)
Best Theme: Crocker Park
Best Youth Entry: Piedmont Baseball–Softball Foundation
Best Animal Group: Dynamite Dogs
Best Band: California Repercussions
(We missed a photo of the Most Artistic winner, Montclair Tutu! Will update when we get one.)
Scenes from the day:
Dr. George Rutherford, this year’s Parade Grand Marshal, is recognized by the Mayor for his important contributions throughout the pandemic 
Mayor Teddy Gray King welcomes all to the festivities in the park 
Saturday Night Live comedian, Chloe Fineman, in the back of Don and Joyce Azevedo’s 1910 Buick Model 17 
PRD Director, Chelle Putzer, poses with the Highland Cup 
Raedan Fong checks out the unicorn in the Piedmont Exedra 
A perennial crowd favorite, the Balloon Platoon 
A sample of the classic cars on display 
A line of classic cars makes their way down Highland Ave 
A string of old cars makes their way down Highland Avenue 
A bagpipe band is introduced by Patty Edmonds, the parade announcer, as they pass by the parade viewing stand 
The Barrelhouse Jazz Band 
The drummers for the Piedmont Community Band 
The Silicon Valley Pipe Band 
The Highland Saucer, Cup and Spoon 
Alan Carr, the Grand Marshal of the Zenith New Orleans Parade Band, before the start of the parade 
Liam Kelly, the Recreation Supervisor, along with the rest of the Piedmont Recreation Department 
The city’s first Food Fest was held this spring 
After the parade, people enjoy food and music in Piedmont Park 
A little girl enjoys the music and rolling in the grass 
A dog gets in on the dancing fun with his owner 
A mom and daughter dance to the music of Dave Martin’s House Party in the park 
Troop 1 scouts cook up hamburgers for purchase in the park
