Since 1967, the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA) has been organizing, financing and overseeing the town’s Fourth of July parade, concert and fireworks.
The vital goal of this nonprofit organization is to ensure that the tradition of a parade and fireworks that celebrate Independence Day continues in Pacific Palisades.
The all-volunteer group starts planning six months in advance with monthly meetings. All residents and business owners are invited to participate, and new volunteers are constantly sought for this massive fundraising and planning event.
Photo: Lesly Hall
PAPA’s activities are funded entirely through donations by local residents, businesses and civic groups. PAPA receives no funding from government or other sources.
This year’s Parade Marshal Ron Weber, a securities litigation partner in the global law firm DLA Piper, joined PAPA in 2004 expressly to help bring more bands to the parade. Not only did he achieve that purpose, he later served as PAPA president for three years. If you have new ideas, please join and work to make this parade even more spectacular.
PAPA also presents the evening’s Palisades Rocks the Fourth concert and 20-minute fireworks show at Palisades High.
PAPA committee members orchestrate these events, with each person given a particular assignment, ranging from permits, insurance, security and traffic control to marching bands, celebrities, fundraising and the pre-parade VIP luncheon.
Past treasurer Daphne Gronich is serv- ing her third term as PAPA president. Her board includes 1st Vice President Arnie Wishnick, 2nd VP Keith Turner (concert),
3rd VP Rich Wilken (fireworks), 4th VP Scott Wagenseller, secretary Sanjay Bargotra and treasurer Cheryel Kanan.
Weber and Ramis Sadrieh (a former PAPA president) serve as advisors, and Pageantry Productions is hired to secure and organize the parade lineup.
Sylvia and Jon Boyd, who have chaired PAPA People (parade-day volunteers) for nine years, are once again seeking volunteers
to help on the Fourth. Sanjay Bargotra needs more volunteers to help with the concert and fireworks. Contact: info@palisadesparade.org.
Robin Weitz is in charge of the food and serving at the VIP luncheon and Marge Gold is handling decorations.
To make a donation to PAPA, please visit: Palisadesparade.org. PAPA is a 501(c)3 corporation, federal identification number 23-7317255.
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