Annual parade kicks off a festive Fourth of July in Cayucos

From fireworks to barbecues, the San Luis Obispo County goes full force with a festive Fourth of July.

One of the region’s most popular traditions happens to be right downtown in Cayucos: the Fourth of July parade.

At 10 a.m. families gathered around to enjoy the traditional Fourth of July parade, running from Seventh Street through Ocean Avenue and ending at Cayucos Drive. Hundreds of families lined the streets to watch the parade, which kicked off with a giant American flag.

Parade participants drew “USA” chants and cheering as they threw candy into the crowd.

Handmade floats ranged from a giant fish for the Cayucos Citizens Advisory Council to a float with the band The Murder Hornets. Golf carts decked out in red, white and blue streamers mixed with the floats. The Central Coast Roller Derby carried a huge banner while spinning circles down the street.

It was a true family affair with one kid sitting in the back of a beat-up car donning a blue Dodgers hat and shouting, “Let’s hear it for the Dodgers!” Another kid was getting a haircut on a float designed by Mike’s Barber Shop.

The parade has become a Fourth of July tradition for many families.

Sharon Cruff has been coming to the parade for over 25 years. She now comes with her grandchildren, the whole family matching in red, white and blue tie-dye t-shirts.

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Cruff said. “You won’t find this vibe anywhere else.”

Sheri Grote moved to SLO County last year, but has been coming for the Fourth of July parade for over 20 years.

“It is the one day where everyone comes out to celebrate America as one big community,” Grote said. “It is such an all-American hometown and everybody puts in so much effort.

The parade followed a sand sculpture contest which kicked off at 4 a.m. for artistic early-risers. The smell of the Lions Club’s barbecue wafted through the parade, set to start soon after the last float finished the route.

Cayucos is also hosting a firework show at 9 p.m.