I like that, for the 2026 Huntington Beach July 4 parade – the “biggest and oldest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi”, and the 250th anniversary one. I like the winner of the “Most Patriotic Float” was, whether they realized it or not, a NO KINGS float. A No Kings float entitled “We the People.” Timely AF.
Organizer Jeff Lebow corrects me: It wasn’t just a float, it was a float and a MARCH, with over 30 participants. I’ve known Jeff for… damn. Decades. This We the People Float-March was his idea back in February – I see he texted me about it on Feb 22 (GW’s birthday! Coincidence?) As more and more people got involved, and this guy wanted to be Ben Franklin and this lady wanted to be Betsy Ross, everyone said, “Jeff, you have GOT to be King George III.” A prize-winning idea apparently.
As the float and march proceeded along PCH and Main St to thunderous cheers, King George Lebow taunted the crowd: “YOU peasants can’t run a country! What are you thinking? Look at you all! I alone can do this! I alone can fix this!” (“We tried to keep things subtle, allegorical,” he explained to me.)
Of course, much like the birth of a nation, this was the work of a LOT of people. Mari Helm designed the costumes, Tony Chase at allweprint.com designed the banners; “Protect HB,” which I think is a local anti-MAGA PAC (?) contributed financially; and Denise Arnold was on Facebook thanking all these folks which makes me think she did even more.
How appropriate this award is on the Semi-Quincentennial, and how ironic in this currently MAGA-infested town known popularly as “the Florida of California!” And how refreshing when nearly all other floats were advertisements for either businesses or politicians waving flags and blaring “patriotic gore.” I understand this is going to be the first of MANY appearances. By the WE THE PEOPLE float & march.
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