The Alameda Fourth of July Parade is one of the longest Independence Day routes in the US – and our entry, Lou Field’s plane (with modifications like removable wings), was number 144! Aero club members, instructors and, of course, air controller “Uncle Sam” walked, rode, drove – and waved! – the entire route.

After a week’s work applying puffy clouds, building tube & cloth wings and hanging banners, the Alameda Aero Club float joined the Alameda Mayor’s 4th of July Parade lineup early on Independence Day morning. A team of 5 or 6 people helped re-attach the wings and struts, which were too wide for normal street clearance. Once we started moving down the 3.3 mile route, club members handed out over 1500 AAC stickers and several hundred airline pilot wings to young future aviators. Many in the crowd were heard exclaiming, “Look! There’s an airplane!” to their neighbors as a flying-themed soundtrack blasted from hidden speakers. Reports from members along the parade route suggest the float was quite impressive and did its job in publicizing the AAC.

Click here for a brief video of our float!