07/06/2026
What a day! 🇺🇸
As Event Director for the Concord July 4th 5K, Parade, Festival & Fireworks, I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who helped make this year’s celebration such a tremendous success.
Seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate our community is why we do this every year.
We kicked off the morning with an outstanding 5K. It was so much fun cheering on the hundreds of runners as they crossed the finish line. A big thank you to the Rotary Club of Concord for another fantastic pancake breakfast that kept runners, volunteers, and parade spectators well fed before the festivities began.
The parade was simply incredible. Having the Rosie the Riveters serve as our Grand Marshal was especially meaningful as we celebrated America 250 and California 175. Every entry helped tell the story of Concord. From the Concord Junior Giants, DESI’s, the Concord Chamber of Commerce, Hot Concord Nights, Diablo 4 Wheelers, MDUSD, the City of Concord Public Works, the Concord Police Department, the Diablo Valley Mustangs, and so many others, each brought something unique to this year’s celebration. And, as always, the Concord Blue Devils brought the parade to an unforgettable finish.
As the evening arrived, the celebration continued at Mt. Diablo High School. Families filled the festival, kids enjoyed the carnival, local food vendors served great food, and we were treated to fantastic performances by hometown favorite Brooks Lundy and our headliner, 3 Day Weekend. The evening ended with one of the best fireworks shows we’ve ever had. That grand finale was something special.
While everyone enjoys the event on the Fourth of July, what most people don’t see are the months of planning and the incredible team working behind the scenes. This event truly is a labor of love.
To my family, Michelle, Audrey, Alyssa, Aiden, my mom and dad, and my mother-in-law, Louise, thank you for sacrificing your holiday every year to help make this event possible. We missed Andy this year while he was out of the country, but we know he was with us in spirit.
To Kristin Peterson, Turtle Pfeiffer, Brian Berkeley, Monica Islas, John Adams, Ana Villalobos, Ryan Wright, Chuck Wojack, and my two incredible assistants, Kris and Cruz, thank you for everything you do. I also want to thank our volunteers, sponsors, vendors, entertainers, City of Concord staff, police officers, Public Works crews, and every community partner who plays a role in making this celebration possible. This event simply would not happen without you.
There are far too many people to thank individually, but please know that every contribution, big or small, helps make this one of Concord’s most cherished traditions.
To everyone who ran, marched, volunteered, performed, sponsored, attended, or simply came out to celebrate with family and friends, thank you for making this year’s Fourth of July so special.
Thank you, Concord, for another unforgettable celebration. It is an honor to help lead this event, and I already can’t wait to start planning next year’s Fourth of July. 🇺🇸❤️💙
