KING CITY — Residents of King City came out in larger crowds than recent years in order to celebrate the Fourth of July over two days.
This past Thursday, the fireworks show took place at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds Stampede Arena. Friday marked Independence Day itself, which was observed with a parade down Broadway Street followed by a large festival and car show in San Lorenzo Park.
“It was crowds all the way from beginning to end, and even past for the ones who came into the park,” said Alicia Trujillo, president of the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
This year’s parade had close to 70 entrants.
“I was born and raised here in King City, so I remember these parades and am glad the tradition is continuing,” said Moi Perez, who emceed the parade.
The Chamber hosted the fireworks and parade, while Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM) spearheaded the park events and the King City Young Farmers oversaw the car show and barbecue within the park.
“Looking around today as compared to last year, it looks like we’ve doubled or tripled our attendance at least,” said Teri Storelli, executive director of MCARLM. “It seems like people are ready to come back out and make it a great tradition, and the good weather doesn’t hurt at all.”
“It’s a lot nicer this year,” added Brian Entrekin, president of King City Young Farmers. “Fifteen years ago or so, this used to be where everybody came for July 4, so it’s good to see it back.”
According to Robert Cullen, president of King City Rotary and local council member, “It does remind me of years gone by when we had big events at the park for Fourth of July. We’ve got our fire department ladder truck with the large flag there. It’s an awesome family-friendly event that keeps people in town and gives them something to do.”
Multiple other organizations helped with volunteers and hosted exhibits or booths.
“It definitely takes work from everybody,” Trujillo said. “This is our community. We’re giving to them.”
“There’s so many nonprofits involved,” noted Cullen. “Everything from the Young Farmers doing the barbecue to South County Animal Rescue. This event benefits a lot of different organizations, be it financially or having a presence here to talk about what they do.”
MCARLM had all its museums open for the Fourth of July, as well as volunteers around the park helping and hosting the new Kid’s Zone and youth contests, such as watermelon eating and tug of war. Young Farmers not only cooked the pork rib and hot dog meals, but also hosted the car show, a cornhole tournament and the new hot dog eating contest.
“For the first time ever, we have a tractor show happening that we’ll have to expand on next year,” Storelli said.
“Each year we try to add one more thing,” Entrekin said. “It started with just ribs and the car show. We added that [hot dog eating contest] and it seemed like a fun new element.”
The hot dog eating contest had five entrants who scarfed down hot dogs in front of a crowd of hundreds. Jake Stephens came out as the winner after having eaten seven hot dogs.
“It’s just neat to see when we can have so many of our community members come together,” Cullen said. “I’m noticing a lot of people from other communities coming and it’s a chance to show off the San Lorenzo Park and our town.”
