By Lookout Staff

July 1, 2019 -- The 13th annual Fourth of July Parade, which will celebrate "the Year of the Woman," kicks off Thursday near City Hall at 9:30 a.m.

Once again, the parade -- presented by the Ocean Park Association -- is expected to draw hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators as it winds its way along Main Street to the beach.

The parade has become an Independence Day tradition, combining an old-time homespun feel and Santa Monica's funky beach town sensibility.

Participants include local dignitaries, students from local schools, girl and boy scouts, local bands, service organizations, marching bands and politicians.

This year's parade celebrates "Lady Liberty and all the women in our community who make a difference," organizers said.

Started as a modest effort to bring back an old tradition, the annual Fourth of July parade has unleashed a flood of participants over the years -- from a float of displaced New Yorkers to dog owners and media outlets.

Spectators, who will view the parade from the sidewalks of Main Street, are encouraged to walk, bike or use public transit to get to Main Street, since local parking is limited.

Free parking for participants and spectators is available at the Civic Center garage and surface lot beginning at 6 a.m.

The parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Main Street and proceeds south on Main to Marine Street, then heads west along Barnard Way to beach parking.

Street closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. until noon.