An old-fashioned good time

Sue Doyle

BALBOA ISLAND -- Antique fire trucks, jazzed-up cars and children in

ribbon-trimmed wagons invaded Marine Avenue on Sunday for the annual

Balboa Island Day Parade.

The parade, which was originally organized as a one-time celebration

commemorating the island’s new fire station, has become a tradition for

the city.

And many residents, such as Gina Van Dyke, wouldn’t want it any other

way.

Van Dyke grew up on the island and has seen the parade evolve. She

recalled decorating her bike as a child and riding around on the Fourth

of July. Now she’s in the parade with her family and relatives.

But Van Dyke was still running the show. She stood in front of a group of

10 children from four generations, all wearing grass skirts, flower leis

and sandals. They called themselves the “Coral Avenue cuties.”

“Every year I’ve seen it grow. It’s great to see our little island come

together like this,” Van Dyke said.

Music from bands energized the crowds. Whether it was a children’s

marching band or local groups such as “The Surfaris” and “The Fabulous

Nomads,” people everywhere tapped their feet and clapped along with the

rhythms.

The crowd applauded when Newport Beach Police Chief Bob McDonell appeared

in a revved-up yellow car with flames painted on the doors. His car

followed a chain of city officials in the parade.

Thousands lined the street to wave at the entourage. Seating was scarce.

Some prepared residents brought lawn chairs. Others plopped right on the

curb. Some leaned in front of stores.

But some kids sat in one place with the best view of all -- on dads’

shoulders.

Garden Grove residents Gary Hemme and his two boys, Connor, 3, and Avery,

4, came to share a Sunday together. His two blond boys pulled off their

shirts to be just like dad and sat on the curb as the parade passed by.

Piles of trinkets, from flags to candy, sat next to the boys, who

collected all the freebies.

Betty Scott of Corona Del Mar brought her leashed dog, a cocker spaniel

named Duffy, along for the outing. It was Scott’s first time at the

parade.

“Disneyland is wonderful, but these types are better. There’s more of a

hometown feel here,” Scott said.