Dear Editor:

Citizens of Antioch, pat yourselves on the back….. you made the family-friendly Antioch Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks again happen and once again be a smashing success!!! With many small donations swelling the total, we raised over $60,000 to pay the tab and the crowd was huge, appreciative and respectful.

This year we conclusively proved that the 2012 model was not a fluke and that this event could be pulled off privately. In fact, the Committee was so inspired that we formed a 501c3 non-profit, Celebrate Antioch Foundation, for permanency. There is hope that we can bring back Holiday-delites and incorporate the Veterans Day Parade under this umbrella, and other events, as well.

Special thanks to Wayne Harrison for his tireless Chairmanship; to Allen Payton for handling the fireworks arrangements, signs, printing and advertising; and to Joy Motts and Martha Parson for spearheading fund-raising. Committee members Bill Cook, Sue Davis, Tim Forrester, Jessica Green, Louise Green, Carole Harrison, Connie Kumar, Earlene and Jim Lanter, Frank Rundall, Alma Townsend, Jeff Warrenburg and Velma Wilson all played key roles.

Sponsoring the fireworks were Supervisor Federal Glover and NRG Energy; the Parade, Sharon Beswick and the Beswick Family Fund; and overall logistical support, the City of Antioch.

Platinum sponsors were Macy’s, Allied Waste, Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch, Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Antioch Herald.

Gold sponsors were the Contra Costa County Building & Construction Trades Council, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #312, Mike’s Auto Body, VFW Post #6435 and the Leo Fontana Family.

Silver sponsors were the Gloria Martin Family, Strategic Threat Management, Antioch Education Association, Antioch Rotary Club, Monthly Grapevine, Brentwood Press, Tony Keslinke Family, Christ Embassy East Bay church, Pegnim & Ivancich, LLP, Delta RC, Rivertown Screenprinting, Paradise Skate, Sno Shack, Martha & Joe Goralka and the New Beer Garden.

Bronze sponsors were Pinky’s Klassy Car Wash, Antioch Woman’s Club, eTranzUSA, NAACP East County Branch, Rick’s on Second, Delta Advocacy Foundation, Rivertown Garden Club, Fidelis Advertising, Mayor Wade Harper, Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha, Councilman Gary & Robin Agopian, Councilwoman Monica Wilson and Councilman Tony Tiscareno.

Gratitude to all. Perhaps we’ll see you on our Facebook page or on www.AntiochJuly4th.com and see you for sure at America’s 2014 birthday bash.

Walter Ruehlig, Member

Antioch July 4^th Celebration Committee

Garage Sale- 7/13/13 at 8 am to 2 pm. 

4101 Galenez Way, Antioch

Hello, we have a lot of items that are in great shape and we are trying to clean house. Our items range from clothes & shoes to kitchen and living room furniture. Please come by and check out our sale.

PUBLISHER’s NOTE: Although we don’t usually promote events and activities outside of Antioch, supporting the American Cancer Society is always a good thing, no matter where their Relay for Life events are held.

VFW color guard leads off Antioch’s 2013 July 4th parade on 2nd Street. photos by Allen Payton & Dan Rundall

By Veronica Carr

The Fourth of July arrived with a bang this year in downtown Antioch. Although temperatures reached a sweltering 107 degrees, many residents still came out for a day of food, family, and fireworks.

The event took nine months to plan and was mainly made possible by donations of all kinds made to the newly formed Celebrate Antioch Foundation. The largest donation came from NRG Energy and County Supervisor Federal Glover, which paid for the fireworks show. However, other companies and residents made contributions that ranged in size from as low as $4 to hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Crowds line 2nd Street for Antioch’s 2013 July 4th parade.

Organizers and residents said that without the generous donations, the fireworks show would not have been possible.

“Even just a few months ago, I was still unsure if Antioch would have fireworks,” Dominic Morales said. “When I heard that they had received large donations and would be able to do the fireworks, I was grateful. The fireworks show is as much a part of Antioch’s history as anything else.”

The day is not just the celebration of America’s independence, it’s also the anniversary of the 1851 July 4^th picnic at which the residents renamed the town from Smith’s Landing to Antioch. (A scene of that event can be seen in the mural on 2^nd Street).

The day’s events kicked off at 4 p.m. with the city’s annual Car Show, held in front of City Hall, again this year. Proud car owners showed off their classic cars and hot rods to a crowd of appreciative on-lookers. Participants received trophies and were encouraged to drive in the parade, later that day.

Then at 5 p.m. the entertainment by Frank Rundall and DJ Throttle began, the Food Courts opened, and activities in the Kid’s Zone took place in Waldie Plaza where children enjoyed the bounce houses and slides with the purchase of a $5 wristband. A magician performed magic tricks that involved juggling fire for an astounded crowd of parents and children.

The parade on 2^nd and 3^rd Streets began at 7 p.m. and lasted for about an hour and a half. This year’s participants included the local VFW, Boys and Girls Scout troops, the fire and police departments, and many other local organizations. Several elected officials such as Glover, who was this year’s Grand Marshall, Assemblyman Jim Frazier and Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha rode in cars, waving to the crowds and passing out miniature flags and candy.

The biggest round of applause came when military veterans and their families rode and marched through the streets, waving the American flag.

East County Military Families salute during the July 4th parade.

“Even though I’ve seen the parade countless times, it’s still nice to watch. You get to see all the floats and cars and people waving the American flag. It makes you feel very patriotic,” Paulina Ramirez said.

Around 9 p.m., residents began crowding the waterfront as the time for the fireworks to begin drew near. Many people had arrived early in the day to secure a good spot to view the fireworks while others arrived late and scrambled to find an available seat.

For Ray Allen, there seemed to be no better spot than the backyard of his house as it provided a perfect view of the waterfront.

“Every year, I invite my family over and we watch the fireworks from my backyard. It’s a great way to get the family together and we avoid the crowds,” he said.

Once the fireworks began, the crowd quieted and watched in awe as the night sky was lit up in shades of red, white, and blue with an accompanying soundtrack playing in the background. As the fireworks ended with a huge finale, and the crowds dispersed, many commented on their hopes to continue the tradition next year.

Cynthia & Walter Ruehlig aka Wonder Woman & Captain America participate in the July 4th parade.

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation hopes that it will continue to receive donations from generous sponsors to continue the fireworks show. Not just for next year, but for years to come. For more information visit their website at www.AntiochJuly4th.com.

After nine months of planning and fundraising, the Celebrate Antioch Foundation presents Antioch’s July 4th, 2013 Celebration this Thursday in historic downtown Rivertown.

The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a Car Show in the City Hall parking lot on 3rd Street. Then at 5 p.m. the two food courts will open, as will the Kids Zone in the Waldie Plaza parking lot off I Street and the entertainment by Frank Rundall will begin.

At 7 p.m. the Annual Antioch July 4th Parade will take place on 2nd Street. Then around 9:30 p.m. the fireworks show will begin, on the river.

Be sure to bring your blankets and lawn chairs and come early to get a good spot for viewing.

For more information or to make a donation by giving $4 for the 4th, visit www.AntiochJuly4th.com or email info@antiochjuly4th.com.

Antioch Historical Society Museum invites everyone to attend a NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM open house on Wednesday, June 19 from 4:00-9:00 pm.

The theme is Antioch’s Native Peoples. Local author and historian, Charlie Bohakel, will present a slideshow of local interest.

Also featured will be the opening of the newly refurbished Miwok and county Indians exhibit. There will be related crafts and projects for children and refreshments will be served.

The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is always welcome!

The Antioch Historical Society Museum is located at 1500 W. Fourth Street, off Auto Center Drive. For more information call 757-1326, visit www.art4antioch.org/ahs.asp or email antiochhistoricalsociety@comcast.net.

WHAT:

Children with a broad range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time and a lifetime of memories as they join enthusiastic volunteers at the “Catch a Special Thrill” (C.A.S.T.) for Kids event.

WHEN:

Saturday, June 15 from 8 am – 1:30 pm

WHERE:

Brannan Island State Recreation Center

FEATURES & FESTIVITIES:

• C.A.S.T. for Kids offers children from 7-16 years old with special needs and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing and boating, and encourages continued participation by developing fishing skills for the kids and their parents.

• The free event provides a day of fishing on a boat, onshore activities, and a BBQ lunch.

• Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, a hat and a commemorative plaque.

• California State Assemblyman Jim Frazier will make a special appearance at the event.

• Spartan Bass Club and local fishermen will provide fishing boats and their expertise. The BBQ lunch will be provided by the Kiwanis International. Cal Fire will provide emergency services for the event.

CONTACT:

Martin Gerber, C.A.S.T. Event Coordinator; 916-376-9614, mgerber@water.ca.gov