While this is a FUN event, it is also an opportunity to see how we perform in meeting various objectives:
-arriving to an event prepared, with adequate equipment
-locating and forming neighborhood groups
-forming a larger group made up of all neighborhoods
-marching a planned route
-abiding by regulations
-dealing with logistics of transportation (drop-off and pick-up)
I'm looking forward to a future debriefing meeting (time and location to be decided) to discuss any issues and areas for improvement.
What to bring:
-Water, sunscreen, munchies
-Comfortable shoes (not open-faced)
-Required CERT Personal Protective Equipment (Helmet; Vest; Whistle).
Optional: Goggles, Mask, Gloves, Flashlights, gas shutoff wrench, duct tape, etc
-Additional water...
Reason for wearing CERT Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
-While I'm sure it will be warm/hot, the public will more easily identify us wearing hard-hats and vest.
Overall Plan:
-Locate your Neighborhood Area Coordinator to form groups (by Neighborhood) by 7:30AM
-Join Parade Formation by 8:00AM
-March in Parade
-Have fun at Sarzotti Park -- old fashioned picnic, entertainment and games.
Meeting Location (Line-up Area):
-Ojai Avenue between El Paseo and Bristol -- (see map below)
Drop-off & Parking:
-There is no parking available for participants in the line-up area. Advised to drop-off at line-up area and park at end of parade route (Sarzotti Park). The Ojai Trolley will make two or three runs from Sarzotti Park back to the line-up area.
-Paul and Sean will offer rides back to the line-up area to supplement Ojai Trolley.
Neighborhood Area Coordinator assembly -- completed before 7:45AM
-Each Neighborhood Area Coordinator will have a large sign posted
-Please find and assemble by your Neighborhood Area Coordinator
What is our Parade Entry Number?
Our entry number is: 22
Formation of all Neighborhood areas into Parade by 8:00AM
-Banner Carrier
-Casitas Springs Neighborhood
-Oak View Neighborhood
-Mira Monte Neighborhood
-Meiners Oaks Neighborhood
-Arbolada Neighborhood
-West City of Ojai Neighborhood
-East City of Ojai Neighborhood
-East End Neighborhood
-Upper Ojai Neighborhood
-Santa Paula CERT (guests of Ojai Valley CERT)
-Sean's Red Truck with signs
Various information from Parade Organizers:
-There is no traffic control of line-up area before 7:00AM.
-At 7:00AM, Ojai Avenue will be closed between El Paseo and Bristol.
-After 7:00AM, you can only enter the staging area from the West, at the intersection of Ojai Avenue and El Paseo. This is the direction the parade will travel.
-There is no parking available for participants in the line-up area. We suggest you arrange to have vehicles parked at the end of the parade to be used to transport riders/walkers.
-The Ojai Trolley will also make two or three runs from Sarzotti Park back to the line-up area.
-There will be large chalked numbers on the street at the curb. Our number (22) should be location of our banner. Sean's Red Truck will be taking up the rear.
-For safety, walkers are staged on the fenced grassy area of Matilija Junior High School on Ojai Avenue.
-Parade Officials will be wearing either yellow shirts or red vests with the designation "Official" on them.
-Two (2) portable facilities will be available on the North side of Ojai Avenue near the start of the parade. Trash cans will be available.
-The Entry Marshal (Paul Garth) is responsible to see we keep appropriate space between the entry ahead of us and the one behind. Stay 5 car lengths behind the entry in front of you. Watch for signals and follow directions given.
-Park Road marks the end of the parade. No trucks/floats allowed on Park Road. Pull over to the curb between Whispering Oaks and Gridley to let any passengers off. The road is closed in this area during the parade.
-Do not turn down Bryant Street -- there is no exit and it is reserved for horses.
-Nobody allowed to return to the line-up area by walking back through Ojai Avenue while the parade is going on. (Security staff will monitor this).
-Options for returning to line-up area are: walking back via Grand/Signal/Matilija; Ojai Trail; ride the trolley back from Sarzotti to line-up area; Paul and Sean offering rides.
-Vehicles heading back to Line-Up Area: exit by continuing down Ojai Avenue to Shady Lane or Gridley, then take Grand Avenue and the detour back to the line-up area.
-Participants encourage to go to Sarzotti Park for an old fashioned picnic, entertainment and games. Awards given to Parade entries at approximately 2:30PM.
Rules to abide by while marching:
-No performances -- just marching
-No literature/material given to parade viewers
-Professionally representing CERTSarzotti Park: (see map below)
-End of Parade-Picnic Area
-Awards (best entry) approximately at 2:30PMReturning to vehicles:
-Ojai Trolley back to Line-Up Area
-Paul and Sean can take various people back to line-up area if needed
Parade Route & Map:
For further information about the Ojai July 4th Parade, and other activities (Fireworks, Concert, etc), please go to:
