Patriotism, Community, and Having a Great Time in Old Town Newhall

Since the birth of our nation, our country has stood for valor and strength, innocence and purity, perseverance and justice all represented in our flag by the red, the white and the blue.
From coast to coast, since the Declaration of Independence was signed, communities come together to celebrate these colors with backyard bar-b-ques, parades, fireworks and so much more, making each year more elaborate and inclusive.
Like most, the Santa Clarita Valley joins in this tradition. On our cover, we brought together all the amazing business owners that are part of Old Town Newhall to show our community spirit and set the festive tone for the month of July. The community at large knows that on any given day or night, Old Town Newhall is always vibrant with fun, interesting things to do and see. The five-block area includes Main Street, Market Street, Walnut Street and Railroad Avenue. From shopping at quaint boutiques to grabbing a bite at one of the fabulous restaurants, a good time is always had in Old Town Newhall.
If you take a stroll down Main Street you will be in awe at all the new developments and modernization with a classic western flare. In 1997, what began as a dream for transformation has quickly become the go to place for multicultural, diverse experiences. As a major part of Santa Clarita’s History, Old Town Newhall has several historical land marks, monuments, and plays host to community traditions, some of which date back to the 1930s.
Each year the Santa Clarita Valley puts forth their best effort to celebrate our history with the Fourth of July Parade in Old Town Newhall. Starting back in 1932, the parade is the cornerstone of our July events and has grown into a generational tradition for many families in our community.
“The Fourth of July is extra special in the City of Santa Clarita,” said Mayor Marsha McLean. “Our community has always been extremely patriotic, celebrating our Country, and supporting our troops, veterans and the men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. I look forward to the holiday festivities every year; including the parade – which is one of our longest running community events. I truly enjoy travelling the parade route and waving to so many of our residents, my neighbors and friends!”
This annual parade showcases patriotic themes that pay tribute to major events or people in United States History in an exciting way. The parade was originally instituted by the Newhall Saugus Kiwanis, and was then taken over by the American Legion Post 507 in 1938.  The leadership changed hands again in 1955 with the “Old West” association taking the reins. The parade has been rolling through Santa Clarita for more than 85 years and is always lined with thousands of families. This large production is the cornerstone of our month of July and this year is sure one for the history books!
If you get a chance to join in the festivities we have compiled a schedule for all the fun before and after the parade.

BEFORE THE PARADE:
6 a.m. Parade registration opens.
6:30 a.m. Equestrian staging begins at Heritage Junction (Hart Park).
6:30 a.m. Santa Clarita Rotary Club PANCAKE BREAKFAST in the Roger Dunn Golf parking lot
7 a.m. Street closures scheduled to take place.
7 a.m. Santa Clarita Runners’ 10K RUN-WALK starting and ending at Newhall Park.
7:30 a.m. Equestrian judging at Heritage Junction (Hart Park).
8 a.m. Santa Clarita Runners’ 5K RUN-WALK starting and ending at Newhall Park.
8 a.m. Parade registration closes.
9 a.m. Parade Begins!
Approx. 12:30 p.m. Trophies awarded at Old Town Newhall Library.

AFTER THE PARADE:
Approx. 9:15 p.m. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA FIREWORKS SHOW at Westfield Valencia Town Center; to be shot off from the roof of the parking lot above Buca Di Beppo restaurant. No other entertainment at this venue.

FEATURED ON OUR COVER …

Front Row: (L- R)
Luz Garcia of Closet On Main
Carol Reesha of Barn & Charm
Mayor Marsha McLean City of Santa Clarita
Jeanne Bretthauer of Assistance League
Deena of Spa Privé

Second Row: (L- R)
Nilton Rodrigues of State Farm Insurance
Amber Curry of All Creatures Veterinary Center
Jeri Goldman of KHTS Radio
Sue Wilkin of Board and Brush
Simon Chowdhury of IMAC Medical Group

Third Row: (L- R)
Mike Wronkowski of Green Thumb
Joe Gomez of Commando Military Surplus
Dr. Kasra Tajik of Newhall Dental Arts
John Lucewich of Canyon Theatre Guild

Fourth Row: (L- R)
Chef Daniel Otto of The Old Town Junction
Ben Law of Brewery Draconum
Jason Stoddard of Schitt Audio
Charles Potter of Newhall Press Room
Carl Goldman of KHTS Radio

Not Pictured
Steve Lemley & Nate Asper of Pulchella Winery
Cherie McGraham of Smokehouse on Main
Homayoun Daryani of Persia Restaurant
Brian Clark of Engine Dynamics

For More About Old Town Newhall Please Turn To Page 57.