To celebrate signing of Declaration of Independence and nation’s 249th birthday

Parade winners announced, U.S. Senator makes appearance, SWAT’s presence explained

By Allen D. Payton

Hundreds of Antioch residents lined the streets of historic, downtown Rivertown on Independence Day, during the annual celebration Friday afternoon, to enjoy the July 4th Parade, Kids and Family Zone, food from local restaurants and  food trucks, live music by “Sade of the Bay”, the Ariel Marin Band, and The Purple Ones – Prince Tribute Band who ended their performance with a solid rendition of Purple Rain to the delight of the crowd in Waldie Plaza, as the fireworks show over the river began about 9:20 p.m.

During a break in the music, Mayor Ron Bernal thanked those who gathered for the celebration.

Thousands gathered on the Promenade and Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier along the Antioch waterfront to enjoy the show shot from the barge on the river. It floated too far east and had to be called to head back west just in time for the spectacular grand finale. (See video)

2025 Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Winners

The three Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Judges, Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, former Antioch School Board Trustee Alonzo Terry, and Rivertown Treasure Chest co-owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure, determined the following winners in each category:

MOST PATRIOTIC: DELTA VETERANS GROUP @deltaveteransgroup;

BEST PERFORMANCE: PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER TEAM @parkmiddleantioch; and

BEST VEHICLE: BRUSH PROS @brushprosca.

“Three very deserving winners!” Blaisure said. “The crew did a great job working together,” Terry added.

In a post on the Antioch Recreation Department’s Instagram page City staff wrote, “Thank you so much to every single one of our parade participants!”

Senator Schiff Shows Up, SWAT’s Presence Seen

During the parade, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) participated, waving to the crowd while walking with a group holding signs with his name on them.

Some people speculated he was the reason for the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team’s presence along the parade route and throughout the celebration. However, according to Lt. Mike Mellone, that wasn’t the case.

“We had planned for a tactical presence at the parade well before we were made aware of Senator Schiff’s attendance. This decision was based on the elevated threat environment tied to ongoing world events, as well as adherence to best practices for securing large-scale public gatherings,” he shared.

“There were no specific or credible threats made in advance of the event. Our department worked closely with regional and federal partners to monitor for any potential risks and ensure the safety of all attendees,” Mellone added.

See more videos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page here, here, here and the grand finale here.

We are closed July 4th but visit our booth that day in the alley on the W. 3rd Street side for funnel cakes and deep fried oreos! The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse is located at 304 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For menu, reservations, hours of operation and more visit www.the4seasonings.com.

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Best seats for view of the Antioch fireworks show over the river!

Got no 4th of July plans?

Head to #monicasriverview Monica’s Riverview for a star-spangled night of food, music, and fireworks!
Brunch and lunch in the Dining Room until 5pm.

Cuco’s Tacos outside on the water 4-9pm.

Bar Open All Day. Plus, Pour Up Wine Bar.

Entertainment by DJ AP – Anthony Perez 1-5pm, DJ AG Beats 5-9pm.

Fireworks show expected about 9:30pm.

Adults $10 (includes beverage ticket), Children $5

Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 I (Eye) Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. See their complete menu at www.visitmonicas.com.

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See for free Ariel “Sade of the Bay” Marin Band and The Purple Ones Prince Tribute band

Enjoy live musical performances by two Bay Area bands for free, on the stage in Waldie Plaza, during this year’s Antioch Independence Day Celebration this Friday, July 4th in historic, downtown Rivertown. Following the parade at 4:00 p.m. Ariel Marin Band will perform at 5:00 p.m. followed by The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince.

Ariel Marin Band

Performance Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm on Waldie Stage

Also known as Sade of the Bay, the Ariel Marin Band is an award-winning multi-genre band featuring 5-octave powerhouse Ariel Marin and multi-platinum (MC Hammer) producer James “Jae-E” Earley. They play it all from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to 80’s hits, Journey to Lynyrd Skynrd, and your favorite classics! Funk, Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, R&B, Motown, Soul, they do it all. They are known for their incredible SADE tribute concert, popular Sha’Motown epic Motown tribute, and Funkin’ Fantastic.

For more information visit www.arielmarinmusic.com.

The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince

Performance Time: 7:15pm-9:15pm on Waldie Stage

Since 2012, Oakland California’s The Purple Ones treat the music and patented vibe of Prince’s legacy with the utmost respect. The musical dexterity of The Purple Ones – with 10-12 pieces on stage (including a 3-4 piece horn section and 3 vocalists that trade off lead vocals) – delivers their own spin on Prince’s (and other Prince related artists such as The Revolution, The New Power Generation, Sheila E., Morris Day & The Time and the general Minneapolis Sound) live onstage, as this funk machine, dance party has to be experienced to be believed!

The Purple Ones is a group of world-class musicians that carries out the Purple Legacy of the MUSIC. TPO brings the energy to the audience with the electricity Prince brought on his iconic live shows, something that no other Prince tribute out there can do. No karaoke studio arrangements here! TPO is NOT a typical tribute band. There is no impersonator or look- a-like, nor do they dress up in goofy costumes or wigs.

For more information visit https://purpleones.com.

Waldie Plaza is located between W. 2nd Street across from City Hall, I (Eye) Street and the river.

Thank you to your July 4th Sponsors: All Phase Brokers, Republic Services, Ironworkers Family Health and Marathon Health.

For more information about Antioch’s July 4th Celebration events and activities, including the parade details and fireworks over the river, click here.

In historic, downtown Rivertown; fireworks show over the river!

Join the City of Antioch in celebrating Independence Day in our historic downtown Rivertown on Friday, July 4th. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy local restaurants, food vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family during the parade, in the Kids & Family Zone and the Dunk Tank fundraiser located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big fireworks show over the river.

Parade Route

The parade will begin on July 4, 2025, at the intersection of W. 2nd and E Streets in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown at 4:00 PM. The Judge’s Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W. 3rd Street next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W. 3rd Street at the corner of D Street.

Celebration Site

The main celebration site will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W. 2nd to W 3rd Streets and G to I (“eye”) Streets. There are many occurrences within the celebration site including a live entertainment stage, local vendors, food trucks, Family Zone, DJ stage and much more.

Schedule of Events

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM    Parade

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM    Kids/Family Zone

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM    Dunk Tank Fundraiser – Kids Zone

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM    Live Entertainment | Ariel Marin

5:00PM – 9:00 PM     Kids Zone Stage | DJ Melly Mel

7:00 PM                      Announcement of Parade Winners

7:15 PM – 9:15 PM    Live Entertainment | The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince

9:20 PM – 9:40 PM    Fireworks Show

Thank you to our sponsors:

For more details and information visit www.antiochca.gov/fourth-of-july-celebration.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Sign-ups for the July 4th Dunk Tank Fundraiser are open until Thursday, June 27 and there’s no better way to make a splash than raising money for a fantastic cause! Every dollar raised goes towards our RECREATION FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

Not interested in sitting in the tank? You can still show support with a donation which gives you a chance to sink our sitter!

You’ll find the Dunk Tank located in the Kids Zone!

Come by to cheer on our throwers and volunteers as we raise money to provide recreational opportunities for our communities.

Tag someone you think should take the plunge!

For more info visit: https://antiochca.gov/fc/recreation/special-events/dunk-tank-2025.pdf.

The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.

As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.

The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.

Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.

“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”

The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.

For more information about Virtuous Voices Music Academy, visit www.virtuousvoices.com.

By Antioch Parks & Recreation Department

City of Antioch! Kick off the Fourth of July Celebration with our Annual Parade! It will be held on W. 2nd Street in historic, downtown Rivertown.

Share your celebratory spirit with floats, performances, and special appearances!

Last call for sign-ups are June 23rd! for more info visit our website: antiochca.gov/recreation/parade-entry-info