On the evening before the Fourth of July , Morgan Hill youths entertained the community with a Patriotic Sing , “ Songs of America .” This year ’ s performance titled “ Honor Those Who Serve ” — honored members of our Armed Forces who are serving and have served our country . Elementary school-aged children from Morgan Hill and San Martin led the audience in song and tribute . The winners of the Essay Contest were introduced at the event .
Cruise ‘ n Show
Folds then migrated to the Community Center for the Family Music Fest for an evening of food , music , dance and socialization . The event began with a patriotic tribute to the veterans of VFW Post 6309 , American Legion Post 217 honor color guard of Gilroy . Angela Madriaga sang the Star Spangled Banner and The Dadz took the stage with some high-energy classic rock music .
Early , the morning on the Fourth , enthusiasts ran in the Freedom Family Race / Walk & One Mile Children ’ s Run . Parents ran with their children in the one-mile event and then took off on the 5K while their children watched them run . Since the route is the same as the parade is , thousands of spectators cheered as the runners raced to the finish line .
Chairs were lined up along the parade route for five days before the parade in anticipation of Morgan Hill ’ s 4th of July Parade . Pre-parade entertainment kept the crowds happy while they waited for the parade to begin . The parade did not disappoint . Over 140 entries , consisting of floats , drill teams , bands , equestrian groups and color guards helped make the 2013 parade a memorable one .
One hundred classic , hot rod , muscle and original pre-1983 cars “ cruised ” the parade route just before the official 4th of July Parade began . Anyone missing the early activities , however , could stop by the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot to see them as part of the Cruise ‘ n Show event . All the cars shown are owned by locals .
The festivities culminated with an amazing fireworks display at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center . It was a great way to end a great 4th of July .