OCEANSIDE–The 24th annual Oceanside Independence Parade kicked off Saturday in downtown Oceanside.
More than 20,000 people lined along Coast Highway to view marching bands, floats, and community groups.
Former Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood was the parade’s Grand Marshal.
The parade’s theme, “Hometown Heroes,” honored outgoing Oceanside Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Duane Coleman and City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation, Division Manager, Eileen Turk, who is set to retire after 33 years at the department.
The parade began at Wisconsin Street to Coast Highway, and ended at Civic Center.
Among the parade participants were U.S. Marine and Navy marching bands, high school bands and drill teams, Oceanside city leaders, Oceanside Fire Department, youth groups, and local community organizations.
The Oceanside Independence Parade was sponsored by Tri-City Medical Center.
