Patriotic spirit dominates Mariners event

Deirdre Newman

NEWPORT BEACH -- Some came on bikes with red, white and blue streamers

woven through the spokes. Some came on scooters with patriotic tinsel

fluttering through the air. Some arrived in regal fashion in wagons

decked out with flags.

No matter what their mode of transportation, the Mariners community

showed its patriotic spirit in force on Thursday morning for the 29th

annual Mariners Fourth of July Parade and Carnival.

Officials expected a bigger crowd than the 3,000 people who attended

last year.

“With everything that happened [on Sept. 11], a lot of people decided

not to travel this year and stay in their hometown,” said Elizabeth

Barnes, event co-chair. “People have been very generous. There’s a spirit

of community.”

Newport Beach and the Mariners Elementary School Foundation sponsor

the event.

This is the first year organizers asked the parents at Mariners

Elementary School to underwrite the event, which was prepaid for. As a

result, the proceeds raised during the carnival will go directly to fund

a full-time science teacher at the school, Barnes said.

The parade began in the morning when community members met at the

corner of Commodore Road and Mariners Drive and walked to Mariners Park.

Upon their arrival, the park was instantly flooded with red, white and

blue.

Allison Sheppard, 8, rode in on her patriotic scooter, which she

decorated with red, white and blue streamers, tinsel and ribbon. She also

sported red, white and blue stars on her face.

“It’s really fun because it’s just when school ends so I still get to

see a lot of friends,” Allison said. Inside the park, carnival goers

drank Maui tropical freeze drinks and munched on carne asada.

Nicholas Snyder, 3, let out squeals of delight as he jumped up and

down on the trampoline with father Kent.

“I think it’s really great to have us all come out together and

celebrate as a group our Independence Day,” Kent Snyder said.

Dean Haidl shared a quiet moment with his son, Kyle, 2, as they sat on

the grass and ate lunch.

“We live in Dover Shores and wanted to enjoy the festivities,” Dean

said. “It brings everyone together to meet all the families.”

The carnival also featured a group of classic cars ranging from a 1953

Suburban to a 2001 silver Dodge Prowler. The car show started last year

to get more fathers involved with the event, said Daniel Barnes.

“A lot of the cars that were brought here were prepped by the dads and

their children,” Barnes said.