Early morning clouds gave way to a picture-perfect Fourth of July celebration in the city’s heart last Friday, as hundreds lined Highland Avenue and filled in Piedmont Park for the city’s annual Independence Day parade. Early risers showed up for the Piedmont Community Service Crew’s Pancake Breakfast at Veterans Hall.
Most seats were filled with happy diners at the PCSC pancake breakfast 
Ready for pancakes! 
A PCSC volunteer in the kitchen 
Getting a plate loaded with pancakes at the PCSC Pancake Breakfast
This year’s parade theme was “Traditions Thrive in 2025.” The city’s popular police chief, Jeremy Bowers, served as the Grand Marshal. Bowers, who is retiring next week, was selected by the Parade Committee for his exceptional service to the community.
Police Chief Bowers with current Mayor Betsy Andersen, Board of Ed member Max Roman (left) and former mayor Michael Bruck (far right)
Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen, City Councilmembers Lorrel Plimier, Tom Ramsey with wife Ruth Ruark, and Conna McCarthy
While the parade was as colorful and festive as ever, noticeably absent — with the exception of a group of “Ronada and Ramona Neighbors and Friends” — were neighborhood floats, a longtime tradition that appears to have fallen by the wayside in recent years. Tumultuous national politics also drew several pointed political floats, which drew applause as they passed by viewers.
John Solomon & Friends 
Grand Lake Vets “No Kings in America”
Piedmont Recreation Department is the “Greatest Rec on Earth” 
PRD Ringmaster Chelle Putzer in the lead 
PRD’s Eva Phalen dressed as Evel Knievel with a bubble blowing sidekick 
PRD’s Liam Kelly shows off his muscles
Parade judges this year included the police chief along with Mayor Betsy Andersen, School Board member Max Roman, and Parade Chair Kathy Kelleher. This year’s parade award winners were:
- Highland Cup: Piedmont Makers
- Highland Saucers: Piedmont Swim Team
- Highland Spoon: Rotary Club of Oakland #3
- Best Spirit: Piedmont Recreation Department
- Best Theme: John Solomon & Friends
- Most Artistic: Piedmont High School Jazz Combo
- Best Youth Entry: Piedmont Baseball & Softball Foundation
- Best Animal Group: The Grand Lake Veterinary Hospital
- Best Band: Piedmont Community Band
The Piedmont Community Band 
Highland Cup winners The Makers, with their robot 8033 
FoodFest organizers march in the parade 
Crowd favorite Balloon Platoon 
Antique cars make the turn on Highland Ave 
Piedmont Center for the Arts 
Amy McKenzie sings the National Anthem 
The California Repercussions play in the park
The Fourth of July Committee included Chair Kathy Kelleher, parade starter Roland Lazzorotto, vehicle coordinator John Morrison, Carolyn and Michael Bruck, Kimberly Gray, Carrie McAlister, Sarah Pearson, and Marilyn Weber.