Studio City's 39th Annual Fourth of July Parade Still Going Strong

Even though the sun was beating down and the heat would soon soar to triple digits, residents of Studio City turned out to participate in the local Fourth of July parade, a tradition since 1972. 

In years past, there were firetrucks and jugglers and Uncle Sam on stilts, and vintage cars and thousands of people. 

Although this year was a bit lower-key, there was still excitement in the air as youngsters and oldsters with their bikes and skates, tikes and dogs strutted down the streets between St. Clair, Bellingham, Laurelgrove and Valley Spring roads.

Led by Art Altounian, a five-year Studio City resident, in his family-loaned '98 red Corvette convertible, accompanied by his daughter Samantha, 8, and by Jack, 6, Addie, 6, and Hannah, 8, all students at Carpenter Community Charter, there were smiles everywhere and the holiday spirit was definitely in the air.

Patriotic music streamed through speakers on the back of the car, with participants singing and dancing along to Yankee Doodle and marching tunes.

The parade ended, as has been the tradition, with a huge block party on Laurelgrove in front of Altounian's home, where barbecues were blazing and food was available to the enthusiastic parade participants and spectators.

All are welcome every year, so expect to be there next July 4th, bright and early at 10 a.m. for more festivities in the warm, hometown Studio City style.