The annual iconic, homespun Bird Rock 4th of July Parade will roll out for the 38th time this year on Tuesday, July 4.
“Bring your Hawaiian shirt and let’s hula,” said Scott Murfey of San Diego-based Murfey Co., which continues to coordinate and sponsor the patriotic event.
The theme this year is the South Pacific-inspired “Tiki Time.”
This event started out as — and remains — a neighborhood-centric mom-and-pop festivity.
Registration and float entry is at Beaumont Avenue and Camino de la Costa at 9:15 a.m. on the 4th. A shotgun parade follows at 10 a.m. Trophies will be awarded to the best floats and parade participants.
For decades, the La Jolla community has gathered alongside neighbors, family, and friends on the 4th of July to enjoy the Bird Rock Parade down Beaumont Street. With hundreds of bikes and small floats flooding the streets, this quintessential “small town” celebration has spanned generations of La Jollans.
Now in its 38th year, the Murfey family is once again at the heart of the parade with brothers, Scott and Russ, working to coordinate all of this year’s activities.
“The 4th of July parade is a great opportunity to connect with old friends, families and neighbors,” said Russ Murfey. “For us, there is the obvious personal connection to the parade. But more importantly, it is what it means to the community as a whole.”
Begun in 1980 by Barbara and Buddy Murfey – Scott and Russ’ parents – alongside other Bird Rock parents, the parade initially consisted of just a few Bird Rock families and has grown ever since.
This year, in addition to the parade, there will be plenty of food and activities including carnival games and photo booths at the end of the parade route in the Methodist Church parking lot, 6063 La Jolla Blvd.
Despite moving full steam ahead, volunteers and donations are still needed. For people interested in supporting the Bird Rock 4th of July Parade, visit www.gofundme.com/2017birdrockparade.
For questions or more information, contact Russ Murfey at [email protected] or call 858-459-6865.
