Los Cerritos resident Mariah Cool is bringing back a decades-long neighborhood tradition for the second time since the pandemic began.
The Los Cerritos 4th of July Parade has been going strong for over 30 years, but during the pandemic, the original organizer decided not to continue the tradition.
When Cool learned the parade was going to be canceled, she stepped up to organize it herself.
She created a GoFundMe campaign for the parade that has surpassed its goal of $2,000 and has raised $3,725 as of Thursday, June 30.
Cool first moved to Los Cerritos when she was 8 years old. One of the first things the neighborhood kids told her about was the upcoming Independence Day parade.
“It’s a really fun memory for me, all the old cars and everyone’s getting all dressed up and decorating,” Cool said. “And it was a lot of fun for me as a kid, so now that I have my own kids, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we can’t cancel this.’ I just wanted to keep the fun going for the kids.”
Those who wish to participate in the parade should meet at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the intersection of Country Club Drive and Pine Avenue, before walking or biking down to Los Cerritos Park.
“Anyone’s welcome to come. The more, the merrier,” Cool said. “We encourage people to dress up and decorate their bikes or their dogs or whatever. Just have fun.”
A New Orleans jazz band will be walking in the parade to provide festive tunes for participants.
At the park, attendees will be able to enjoy more live music, face painting, balloon art, classic car displays, bubbles, popsicles, prizes and hotdogs cooked by members of the Long Beach Police Department.
Cool plans to continue the tradition for her neighborhood for years to come.
“I’ll do it until I’m an old lady,” Cool said.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that this is the second time Mariah Cool has organized the Los Cerritos 4th of July Parade. A previous version stated this year was her first year organizing the event.
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