City Celebrates Independence Day

MORENO VALLEY >> The City of Moreno Valley's annual Independence Day festivities were held Monday, July 4. The celebration kicked off with a parade from 9:30 a.m. to noon. This year's parade theme was "America United." The parade started at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Frederick Street and Alessandro Boulevard. More than 3,000 residents and visitors lined the streets to see a variety of community groups come together and showcase why Moreno Valley is a great place to live. The Family FunFest festivities continued at Morrison Park and Mountain View Middle School at the northeast corner of Dracaea Avenue and Morrison Street. Gates opened at 1 p.m. with the festival beginning at 2 p.m. Several entertainers performed on the Skechers Main Stage, starting with the Pacific Crest Marching Band at 3:30 p.m., "The Band Fresh" at 4 p.m., "Crimes of Passion - A Tribute to Pat Benatar," and then "Fan Halen - A Tribute to Van Halen." The event concluded with a fireworks extravaganza beginning at 9 p.m. The fireworks show was simulcast with patriotic music by KOLA 99.9 FM. Thanks to the following sponsors for this year's Independence Day celebration: Skechers, Waste Management, KOLA 99.9, Sares-Regis, Amazon, Discount Tire Centers, Sherwin-Williams, Graham Square Wash Bank, Moreno Valley Unified School District, McDonalds, NPG Asphalt, Kenaston Flooring, Riverside University Health System, Your Villa Magazine, Gail Materials, Valley Cities Fence, Access Electric Supply, Miracle Playgrounds, UltraServ, RHA Landscape Architects, West Coast Arborists, Utility Refrigerator, Ewing Irrigation, Hangar 24, Altura Credit Union, Food 4 Less, Moss Bros and Starbucks.