The city of San Marino is thrilled to have all its traditional Fourth of July activities back and in-person for its 2022 celebration.
At 7 a.m., thousands are expected to enter Lacy Park through the Virginia Road entrance, as families lining up in the early morning hours will have first dibs on setting out their blankets.
The 18th annual J.P. Blecksmith Memorial 5K Walk & Run is slated for July 4 at 8 a.m. in the northwest corner of San Marino Avenue and Huntington Drive. The 2022 event marks the first in-person race since 2019 and honors the memory of U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant J.P. Blecksmith, a former San Marino resident, who gave his life on Nov. 11, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom II in Fallouja, Iraq.
Proceeds from the event benefit the J.P. Blecksmith Leadership Foundation, which supports Blecksmith’s memory through various causes in the San Gabriel Valley, including Flintridge Prep, where he graduated from high school in 1999. A scholarship is awarded annually in Blecksmith’s name to a deserving rising senior. The foundation also supports the USC Marshall School of Business’ fully accredited one-year graduate degree created specifically for military veterans, those on active duty and reserve personnel.
The cost of the event is $30, which includes an official race T-shirt and commemorative finisher’s medallion.
Registration is available at jpb5k2022.racewire.com or on race day beginning at 6:45 a.m. and closing at 7:45 a.m.
The afternoon activities begin at 2 p.m., with food booths opening and the Family Fun Zone opening at 4 pm.
The annual Rotary Club of San Marino parade starts at 4:45 pm, leading right into the main stage presentations and entertainment including the introduction of the San Marino National Little League all-stars and coaches.
The evening will conclude with patriotic music and a fireworks display at 9:05 pm.
Tickets are available for pre-sale through July 1 at the Stoneman Building and through July 3 at the Crowell Public Library.
For tickets, programming and logistics information, visit CityofSanMarino.org/Fireworks or call (626) 943-2627.
