On a moderate, sunny morning, The Orinda Association, with the help of many sponsors, threw a giant Fourth of July party to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

    Starting at 7:30 a.m. the pancake breakfast was open for business, with tables set on the Orinda Library Plaza. The annual pancake breakfast cost $15 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Cub Scouts and the Orinda Network for Education (ONE). 

    At 7:55 a.m. there was an official flag raising ceremony. The flag was raised by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8063, and Orinda Mayor Brandon Iverson made brief remarks on the significance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

    Acalanes Chapter Regent Terry Lucido of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution also spoke and read a portion of the Declaration. The DAR had a table on the Library Plaza with a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, which attendees were invited to sign. 

    The Library Book Sale began at 9 a.m. and continued until 1 p.m., with patrons stocking up on bags of reading material for the whole family.

    At 10 a.m. the annual Fourth of July parade began, featuring an array of local organizations, marching bands, and colorful performances, with parade participants carefully handing out candy to young spectators.

    Starting at 10:30 a.m. parade goers could avail of the food trucks and beer booths near the Orinda Community Center. Food options included Signature Burgers, King Gyro & Kabob, Crazy Empanadas, and FroGo dessert truck, serving frozen yogurt with toppings and sauces. 

    There were also two beer booths in the park, one run by the Orinda Tabor Sister City Foundation and the other by the Rotary Club of Orinda to raise funds for local community projects and beyond. 

    From 11:30 a.m. onward there was a carnival in Orinda Community Park with live music.

    Eliska Tumova, the visiting Czech student from two years ago, was back in Orinda visiting her host, Bobbie Landers. Tumova came for two weeks last year, and this year she is here for three weeks. She is just finished her first year of college in the Czech Republic. She rode on the horse-drawn wagon for the Joaquin Moraga Adobe Foundation.

    Rancher Mel Silva has driven his horse-drawn wagon since Orinda’s second parade. In order to ensure the safety of all, another person sits beside the driver to watch out for any danger to the horse. Silva only brings horses that are accustomed to being in crowds and are very calm.