The Watts Hospital-Hillandale Fourth of July parade began in 1950 with six children riding their bicycles down the block. It's now a neighborhood extravaganza -- over 600 people attended last year.

If you haven't seen our parade, it's a sight to behold. We often have escorts of police motorcycles, bicycles or cars, and a fire truck. The procession of decorated bicycles, tricycles, wagons, strollers, and people on foot follows the time-honored route from the corner of Oakland Avenue and Club Boulevard, down Club to Alabama, right on Alabama, right on Woodrow, and into Oval Park.

Under strings of flags, a neighborhood gathering flavored by patriotic songs, friendly visits, and lemonade follows. We hope you'll join us for the next one.