InBerkeley

Fourth of July 2007 in Berkeley's Claremont neighborhood: it's the real thing.

When the calendar declares it is time to carve pumpkins or flame-grill burgers, my reaction tends to be an urge to do anything but.

However, being British, it’s difficult not to notice all the hoopla surrounding the Fourth of July.

So, if you want to experience a rather charming Berkeley celebration of this big American day, I suggest you discreetly gatecrash the Fourth of July neighborhood parade that takes place in the Parkside Drive/Plaza Drive area of the city’s Claremont neighborhood.

There’s likely to be a procession — with live music — followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and rousing songs, such as “Yankee Doodle” and the “Star Spangled Banner”.

This year will be the 48th consecutive parade in the neighborhood — and that’s worth honoring if nothing else.

[Photo: Tracey Taylor.]

Tracey Taylor Events, Property Claremont, Events, Neighborhoods