MoVal Shows its Stars and Stripes at their July 4th Hometown Parade

The City of Moreno Valley is had a full day of fun planned for the community for Independence Day, Saturday, July 4. The Independence Day celebration kicked off with the City’s traditional 4th of July Parade which started right at 9:30 a.m. and went a few hours until noon, before a daylong celebration continued. The "Sights & Sounds of Liberty" Parade took place at Frederick St. and Alessandro Blvd. Community member Courtney Contreras was thrilled to bring her children, Kaydence, 4, and John, 2, to this year's parade and FunFest. "I couldn't find anything for Kaydence to wear; I wanted it to be special...so I just made her dress," she said as Kaydence showed off her patriotic wear, decked out in stars and stripes head-to-toe. "We're having a great time already," Contreras added. The day then launched into full celebration mode as the gates for the Family FunFest opened at 1 p.m. The Family FunFest took place at Morrison Park and Mountain View Middle School located at the northeast corner of Dracaea Avenue and Morrison Street. The gates opened an hour early as the festival began at 2 p.m. With several entertainers performing on the main stage this year, at 3 p.m., the excitement began, including performances from Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. At 4 p.m. the popular “Band of Brothers” performed, followed by “Ghost in the Machine - A Tribute to The Police and Sting,” and then “Wanted – A Tribute to the Bon Jovi.” The grand finale was a long-time favorite in Moreno Valley with the traditional fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m. The fireworks show was simulcast with patriotic music by KOLA 99.9 FM. The City of Moreno Valley thanked event sponsors Waste Management, KOLA 99.9 FM, the Moreno Valley Unified School District, and Visterra Credit Union who have already contributed to Moreno Valley’s Independence Day celebration. Trophy winners for the parade are as follows, selected by the parade judges from a total of 80 parade entries: * Sweepstakes: Parks and Recreation Commission * Theme Trophy: Arts Commission * Mayor and Council Trophy: Moreno Valley Youth Federation * Chamber of Commerce Trophy: Moreno Valley College * Outstanding Vehicle: March Field Air Museum * Most Humorous: Chick-Fil-A * Outstanding Commercial Entry: Stater Bros. * Outstanding Non-Commercial Entry: Boy Scouts of America * Outstanding Musical Unit (Marching): Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps * Outstanding Musical Unit (Stationary): United Methodist Church * Outstanding Musical Unit (Youth or Corps): Tuning Sounds Violins (Sponsored by Skechers) * Outstanding Marching/Drill Unit (17 years or younger): Moreno Valley Honor Band * Outstanding Marching/Drill Unit (18 years and older): Zumdance * Outstanding Equestrian Group Entry: Moreno Valley Police Department Mounted Posse * Outstanding Cultural Entry: Cultural Heritage Performers The parade will re-broadcast on Channel 3, the city's local government access channel, at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily beginning July 10. DVDs of the parade broadcast are available for purchase for $2. For more information, or to purchase a DVD, contact the Parks & Community Services Department at 951-413-3280.