Last week’s annual July Fourth parade drew hundreds of spectators to the sidewalks along Pioneer Avenue dozens of creative and energetic floats, even in the persistent heat not typical for Kachemak Bay.
This year’s theme, “Homer Grown,” celebrated agriculture and local growers in the Homer area. Things like the Homer Farmers Market, local farms and Sustainable Homer took center stage. Kyra Wagner, director of the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District and Sustainable Homer, was this year’s grand marshal.
Hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, the event includes float judging in front of Bay Realty and, for the first time this year, in front of the Art Shop Gallery.
The winners of this year’s prizes are as follows:
Best of Show: Homer Senior Citizens Center
Best Antique Car: Memories on Wheels
Best of Bikes: American Legion Riders
Best of Animals: Robinson Family Farm
Best Children’s Group: Zumba in Homer
Best Use of Theme: Eat Local – Bee Healthy
Red Gallery Award (based on the Red Lantern Award from the Iditarod): Eat Local – Bee Healthy
Reach Megan Pacer at mpacer@homernews.com.
A participant in this year’s July Fourth parade, hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, rides his motorcycle down Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in Homer, Alaska.
People line Pioneer Avenue wait in anticipation of this year’s July Fourth parade on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
A member of Kachemak Emergency Services smiles as she throws candy to spectators at this year’s July Fourth parade.
A member of the Homer Senior Citizens Center float marches in this year’s July Fourth parade on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Andy Haas marches in the July Fourth parade with the Friends of the Homer Library on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. The Friends of the Homer Library performed a synchronized dance with their book carts to the main theme from Star Wars. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Photos by Megan Pacer / Homer News A group of girls walking with the Zumba in Homer display their “Homer Grown” signs during the July Fourth parade on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. The Zumba in Homer float won the prize for “Best Children’s Group.”
A participant in this year’s July Fourth parade pauses to make a quick fix to the bus used by the Center for Alaska Coastal Studies on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. The bus roared to live shortly after and continued on its way through the parade route. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Homer Mayor Ken Castner cycles down Pioneer Avenue during this year’s July Fourth parade, hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Participants in this year’s July Fourth parade hold a sign supporting the University of Alaska system while marshing down Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
A group of parade participants marsh dressed as bees to raise awareness for supporting the insects and agriculture in general during this year’s July Fourth parade Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Homer Farmers Market Director Robbi Mixon celebrates on a float in this year’s July Fourth parade, hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
A member of the Spit City Sirens roller derby team skates through this year’s July Fourth parade, hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Onlookers cheer on participants in this year’s July Fourth parade hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Members of the Spit City Sirens roller derby team make their way down Pioneer Avenue in this year’s July Fourth parade hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Participants in this year’s July Fourth parade hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce ride in a float on Thursday, July 4, 2019 down Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
A woman dressed as Rosie the Riveter marches in the July Fourth parade hosted by the Homer Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 4, 2019 on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
A historic fire engine makes its way along Pioneer Avenue during this year’s July Fourth parade on Thursday, July 4, 2019 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
