By Lookout Staff

June 16, 2010 -- Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica-based environmental group that focuses on water quality, has been named the grand marshal for the Santa Monica Main Street Fourth of July Parade, event organizers announced on Tuesday.

Organized by the Ocean Park Association (OPA), the four-year-old parade attracted nearly 1,000 participants last year and an estimated 10,000 spectators along its Main Street route.

"When our peerless leader Lori Nahshun proposed Heal the Bay as grand marshal, the vote was swift and unanimous,” said OPA Vice President Ted Winterer in a press release. “What better choice could there be than Heal the Bay, which for 25 years has endeavored with such great success to improve the water quality at our local beaches?"

Karin Hall, executive director of Heal the Bay, said, “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we couldn’t be more proud to serve as grand marshal of the annual Fourth of July parade in our hometown. The people of Santa Monica have provided us with so much support over the years in our fight to keep our local oceans clean and healthy. We are blessed to be part of such a thoughtful, progressive community.”

The Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade was formed at the urging of local residents who wanted both a community parade and a Fourth of July celebration that actually falls on July 4. Past grand marshals have included Santa Monica Police Chief Tim Jackman, retired Santa Monica Fire Chief Jim Hone and retired Roosevelt Elementary Principal Jerry Harris.

In the past years featured participants have included the Euclideans, toga-clad neighbors who live on Euclid Street; a procession of ex-mayors and the "New York Transplants who Love Santa Monica." One of this year’s features could include “The Ocean Park Housewives.”

Residents, groups and business interested in participating in the parade or becoming a sponsor should go to www.opa-sm.org or send an e-mail to parade@opa-sm.org.

“When our peerless leader Lori Nahshun proposed Heal the Bay as grand marshal, the vote was swift and unanimous,"
   Ted Winterer,OPA
   Vice President