The City of San Marino is expecting a large turnout at its annual smorgasboard of activities that are scheduled for July 4 to acknowledge the anniversary of America’s independence.
The San Marino Tribune will again proudly co-sponsor the 15th annual J.P. Blecksmith Memorial 5K Walk & Run on Thursday, July 4. An Independence Day tradition, the event will begin at 8:00 a.m. in the northwest corner of San Marino Avenue and Huntington Drive.
The race honors the memory of United States Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant and San Marino resident J.P. Blecksmith, who gave his life during the war in Iraq.
The J.P. Blecksmith Memorial 5K Walk & Run supports several charities, including the J.P. Blecksmith Leadership Foundation at Flintridge Prep, where J.P. graduated high school in 1999. A scholarship is awarded annually in his name to a deserving senior.
The event also benefits the USC Marshall School of Business Masters of Business for Veterans program, a fully accredited 1-year graduate degree created specifically for military veterans, those on active duty and reserve personnel.
The cost of the event is $25, which includes an official race t-shirt and commemorative finisher’s medallion. Registration is available at jpblecksmith.org or on race day beginning at 6:45 a.m. and closing at 7:45 a.m.
Later that evening, Lacy Park will be the location for the city’s annual entertainment and fireworks extravaganza. Wristbands are required for admission and cost $5 for residents and $15 for non-residents with children age two and under free of charge.
Wristbands are required for entry into Lacy Park beginning at 7 a.m.
Sales of wristbands will take place through Wednesday, July 3 at the San Marino Recreation Department, which is open Mon. -Thu. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Crowell Public Library, which is open Mon. -Thu. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and at City Hall, which is open Mon. – Thu. from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Friday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. On July 4, wristbands purchased at the park will cost $20 for both residents and non-residents while children 2 and under are free.
7 a.m. – Lacy Park opens (Virginia entrance only)
8 a.m. – J.P. Blecksmith Memorial 5K Walk & Run begins
3 p.m. – St. Albans entrance opens and food booths open
3:30 p.m. – Check-in for Rotary Parade begins at 1400 block of San Marino Avenue
4 to 8 p.m. – Family Fun Zone open
4:45 p.m. – Rotary Club of San Marino parade starts
5 p.m. – City Club Pavilion opens
Completion of Parade – 6:30 p.m. – Introductions of San Marino City Council, San Marino School board members and San Marino National Little League All-Stars
6:30 to 8:15 p.m. – Entertainment on the Independence Day stage
8:45 p.m. – Presentation of Colors
by San Marino Girl Scouts
National Anthem, America the Beautiful and God Bless America
9:05 p.m. San Marino Presents
“Celebrate America” Fireworks show
