Parade Packs Political Parody and Partying Aplenty

Visitors enjoy a Main Beach view of pyrotechnics shot from Heisler Park. Photos by Ted Reckas South Laguna's narrow, undulating Virginia Avenue was once again festooned with bunting and banners of red, white, and blue for the 6th annual South Laguna 4th of July Parade. Delicious food, the obligatory Bounce House, apple bobbing, and water balloon tossing also marked the annual fete.

The parade's self-proclaimed Grand Marshal was the eponymic Ty Pugg, a stout, lil' canine who not only helped the crowd celebrate Americana by dressing as a baseball legend, but also decorated the parade route with his pro-social posters that, among other things, encouraged the youth of South Laguna to avoid chewing tobacco, steroids, and the other vices that have undermined our beloved National Pastime. His owners, Will, Jenny, and Max Gardenswartz were awarded the parade's Grand Prize.

The pug was not the only parader proffering a political message: Mike Tompkin delivered an unambiguous shot at City Hall with a costume and poster lampooning the recent move to ban recreational angling. "I've been fishing here for close to 30 years," said Tompkins. "I can assure our city elders that the local recreational fishermen are among the areas most conscientious environmental stewards." Tompkins suggested that instead of banning fishing, city leaders might consider catch and release rules and the use of barbless hooks.

Mike Tompkins lampoons Laguna angling restrictions. Out-of-towners also joined the parade's fun. The Warrick family from Austin, Tex., enthusiastically participated from start to finish. "We're renting a home in South Laguna for our summer get-away," explained Brenda Warrick. "The folks who are renting us the house highlighted the parade as a South Laguna 'must do' and we'd have to agree … what a blast!"

South Laguna centenarian Ruth Young warmly waved to paraders as they filed past her quaint cottage to the cul-de-sac where the Blanchard and Metez families graciously host the post-parade party.

The Goddard family defended their running title as Most Patriotic Family and an infant named Indy -- donning outrageously cool skimboarding clothes -- grabbed an ad hoc prize for Best Gangster Baby.

A gang of families organized a West Street Beach party for Independence Day. Photos by Ali Rounaghi Yes, for a few hours every 4th of July not even the perpetual, mind-numbing drone of Mission Hospital Laguna Beach's aged, rusty boilers can dampen South Laguna's spirits. The eclectic, closeknit community - so often an after-thought for those in the more affluent, staid, and politically influential north - is already talking of what next year's merrymaking will bring. "I think we need a live band," opined one partygoer. "Good call, but whatever happens, whoever made these crazy Italian sausages needs to do it again," chirped another.

Neighbors and participants gather at Virginia Way and Sunset before the parade steps off. Photos by Wil Gardenswart z About 150 people clad in patriotic colors paraded the length of Brooks Street to celebrate Independence Day, halting en route for a flag raising ceremony and the singing of the national anthem. A paddle out followed, an acknowledgement to former resident Mark Metherell, who died in Iraq, his widow, and daughter. Residents and guests toweled off to regroup for a potluck block-party, according to organizer Jacqueline Cohn. MORE PHOTOS ON B4 PHOTO BY Steve Chadima Cliff Street resident Steve Chadima enjoyed a front row seat on the downtown fireworks show at Heisler Park. Photos by Ted Reckas David Vanderveen addresses Brooks Street residents before a paddle out. From left, John Sebastian (in plaid), Allison Kecht, Klaus Kecht, Art Landelew, Jeff Tacklind, Vanderveen, Clarke Brogger, Sarah Matherell and Molly Cohn. PHOTO BY mark grosher The Brooks Street Parade Photos by Ali Rounaghi A gang of families organized a West Street Beach party for Independence Day.