Fourth of July Parade

American flags, lawn chairs, and nearly 14,000 people will line the streets for this year's "Family, Fun, and Freedom" 31st Annual Fourth of July Parade!

Parade route - Starts at 9:30 am.

Parade entry registration is from March 4 - June 3. To find out more about this event, including the route and parking information, contests, and volunteer opportunities, please email Courtney Wysocki or call (949) 461-3439.

Entry Guidelines

  • Drivers of motorized vehicles must be at least 18 years old and be able to submit proof of a valid driver's license and current insurance. 
  • Only nine Car Club entries are allowed. Each Car Club entry is limited to a maximum of 12 vehicles. 
  • Other than Car Clubs, the Parade Committee will only allow a certain number of vehicles per entry. 
  • Business vehicles must provide entertainment and/or sponsor the parade at the discretion of the Parade Committee. 
  • Any entry that arrives differently than what was approved is subject to removal from the parade. 
  • The Parade Committee shall remove any entry deemed unfit and/or unsafe.
  • In order to participate in the parade, a representative from your entry must attend 1 of 4 parade participant meetings held in-person and virtually on the following dates and times:
    1. Tuesday, June 11 at 6:00 pm at The Clubhouse Senior Center (100 Civic Center Drive)
    2. Wednesday, June 12 at 12:00 pm via Zoom (link will be provided via e-mail)
    3. Wednesday, June 12 at 6:00 pm at The Clubhouse Senior Center (100 Civic Center Drive)
    4. Thursday, June 13 at 12:00 pm via Zoom (link will be provided via e-mail)

By registering, you agree that your entry will abide by these rules.

Parade Entry Registration

El Toro 5K Information

Parade Photos

Fourth of July Parade FAQs
  1. What time does the parade start?
    The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. sharp. 
  2. Where is the parade route located?
    • The parade route is located on the Toledo Way, Serrano Road, Ridge Route, and Lake Forest.
    • Parade starts at the corner of Toledo Way and Ridge Route Drive (in front of El Toro High School) and ends on Serrano Road before Ridge Route.  
  3. What streets will be closed the day of the parade?
    Please visit our 4th of July Parade page for information about street closures. 4th of July Parade Page. 
  4. Is there a map available of the parade route and street closures?
    Yes. Please visit our 4th of July Parade page for more information about street closures including a map. 4th of July Parade Page. 
  5. If I have a question on the day of the parade, where should I go?
    Please go to the Information booth, for any questions. We will be at a tent, located in front of El Toro High School. 
  6. What time should I arrive and where can I park?
    • If you are a participant of the parade you can check in at a check-in booth between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. All entrants must be checked in at this time. If you have a large group, please have a representative check-in and designate a specific place to meet the rest or your organization.
    • If you are a parade observer we recommend coming as early as possible, remember the parade starts at 9:30 a.m. sharp.
    • Parking is located in the El Toro High School back parking lot, which can be accessed on Serrano Rd from El Toro Rd. This parking lot does fill up quickly.
    •  Parking can also be found on Lake Forest Drive and Serrano Road.
  7. Can I sign up to participate in the parade the day of?
    The registration deadline to participate is found on the 4th of July Parade's website. After the specified time, the City will not take any more applicants. 
  8. Can I sign up to participate in the parade and where do participants go when they arrive?
    • Please check our registration page, to submit your application online.
    • Car Clubs shall check in and stage on Ridge Route (Enter from Jeronimo Road).
    • Bands shall check in and stage on Ridge Route, entering from Serrano Road.
    • Equestrians shall check in and stage at La Madera Elementary School parking lot, entering from Serrano Road.
    • General parade entries (if your parade entry is not a band, a car club, nor an equestrian entry) please check in at Toledo Way and Killy Street, which can be accessed from El Toro Road.  
  9. Can I bring my pet?
    Yes, please make sure to have your pet on a leash. 
  10. Where are the restrooms?
    There will be restrooms located at El Toro High School as well as portable toilets located along the parade route. 
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2023 Community Services Commission

Notice

The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Community Services Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

The Community Services Commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to the acquisition, development, and maintenance of public parks and recreational facilities. The Commission also advises the City Council on matters relating to recreational programs and provides advice to the Community Services Department.

This Commission meets the Wednesday after the first City Council meeting of each month, at 6:30 p.m. Commission members pledge upon appointment to represent the overall public good and not that of an exclusive group or interest and will sign an Ethics Policy upon appointment to the Commission. The City assigns a staff liaison to work with the Commission and facilitate communication between the Commission and the City Council.

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2023 Planning Commission Application

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The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Planning Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

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2023 Traffic and Parking Commission

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The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Traffic and Parking Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023. There is currently one seat available on the commission.

The Traffic and Parking Commission advises the City Council on issues relating to parking and the safe and efficient movement of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other modes of transportation upon the circulation network of the City. The Commission will provide recommendations related to traffic and parking including, but not limited to traffic and parking related field studies, requests for traffic control devices, requests for permit parking and street sweeping parking restrictions, and other related matters.

This Commission meets the Monday prior to the first City Council meeting of each month, at 6:30 p.m. Commission members pledge upon appointment to represent the overall public good and not that of an exclusive group or interest and will sign an Ethics Policy upon appointment to the Commission. The City assigns a staff liaison to work with the Commission and facilitate communication between the Commission and the City Council. In addition to attending the regular monthly Commission meetings, Commissioners are expected to periodically attend and participate in City programs and activities.

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