Mesa del Mar residents parade their spirit

Deirdre Newman

The Fourth of July has always held special significance for Danya

Segovia. Her mother considered naming her Independence to match

Danya’s maiden name of Hall. She was born on the Fourth of July.

And this year, she helped organized Mesa Del Mar’s first annual

Fourth of July parade.

About 75 people gathered Friday morning to participate in the

inaugural event. The gathering enabled residents of the area to have

fun and get to know each other a little better.

“I think it’s great,” said Katrina Foley, a Planning Commissioner

who has lived in the Mesa del Mar neighborhood with her family for

the past six years. “It’s a nice, neighborhood community activity,

something we needed.”

Segovia and co-organizer Staci Chapman spread word of the parade

through fliers and a homeowners’ newsletter. The parade started at

Sonora School and then wended its way to TeWinkle Park and back for

more celebrations in the neighborhood.

Joey Nguyen, pulled a wagon decorated with a flag with son

Matthew, 4, inside. Nguyen said the parade helped foster a sense of

patriotism and neighborhood camaraderie.

“[We came] to celebrate the Fourth and show our independence, to

boost morality,” Nguyen said. “To show we’re all one big,

neighborhood family.”

Chriss Lang decorated her beach cruiser bike with some flags and

also decorated the bikes of her daughter, Natalie Sullivan and

Natalie’s friend, Sarah Lelea. She said the parade came at the

perfect time for the changing neighborhood demographics.

“I think we need some community involvement,” Lang said. “A lot of

people seem to do their own thing, especially since there are a lot

of young families moving in.”

Madeline Schwartz, 10, rode her bike adorned with streamers and

tinsel in the parade, while friend Shannon Walthers, 10 rode her

scooter.

“I had lots of fun,” Shannon said.

Segovia said she hopes even more Mesa del Mar residents

participate next year.