Half Moon Bay's Ol' Fashioned 4th of July
55th Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade, Pancake Breakfast & Festival
Let the good times roll! With 2026 marking it’s 55th rendition, Half Moon Bay's beloved Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade along with a Pancake Breakfast and Festival takes over Main Street, transforming the charming downtown into a festive Red, White and Blue celebration. The parade starts at 12 noon and lasts approximately 90 minutes.
A time-honored, home-spun tradition, the parade celebrates Independence Day in small town America with an entertaining array of whimsical floats, marching bands, horses, community service groups, classically cool cars, decorated trikes and bikes, parading pooches, youth sports teams, dance and theatre troupes, photos and fun with the delightfully rotund, playful and mischievious Pumpkin Festival mascot “Gourdy”, a Color Guard by the American Legion, and local dignitaries and celebrities slowly winding their way through the crowded downtown along Main Street between Filbert and Mill Streets.
Honoring Half Moon Bay’s western heritage and always a parade highlight, there will be a large number of equine entries with prizes awarded in several categories. Half Moon Bay’s famous, 40-member strong “Sitting Marching Band” will be in their usual perch at Main and Kelly playing an array of patriotic ballads during the parade.
Jill Jacobson, Parade Grand Marshal
The Half Moon Bay Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade is proud to announce Jill Jacobson as this year’s Grand Marshal, honoring her decades of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Coastside community.
Since moving to the Coastside in 1991, Jill has been a cornerstone of local life. Alongside her husband Greg, she raised their twin sons, Chris and Steve, who attended Hatch Elementary, Cunha Intermediate, and Half Moon Bay High School. Throughout those years, Jill was deeply involved in the schools as a volunteer and leader, contributing her time and energy to organizations including Hatch PTO, SIPA, the HMBHS PTO and Education Foundation, and the Band Boosters. A dedicated sports parent, she supported youth across cross country, basketball, track and field, and tennis.
Jill’s impact on the Coastside grew even stronger through her leadership as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside from 2019 to 2025, where she now continues to serve as a Strategic Advisor. During her tenure, Jill helped secure a permanent home for the Club in the heart of Half Moon Bay, ensuring long-term stability for generations of local youth.
Her leadership preserved and expanded opportunities for hundreds of young people, including integrating the Cunha after-school athletics program into the Club when it faced elimination due to budget cuts. Today, that program serves over 450 youth across more than 30 teams and eight sports, grounded in an “everyone plays” philosophy that reflects Jill’s belief in access and inclusion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jill ensured the Club remained open as a critical resource for families, providing safe space, supervision, and connectivity for youth who otherwise lacked access to remote learning. She also played a key role in facilitating the renovation of the Cunha soccer fields in partnership with Cabrillo Unified School District, strengthening recreational opportunities for the entire community.
Under her leadership, the Club expanded its services to include mental and emotional health support through a full-time in-house counselor, strengthened its financial foundation through community partnerships, and created pathways for local youth to gain their first job experience and grow as future leaders. Jill and her husband Greg are also founding members of the Club’s Legacy Circle, demonstrating their lasting commitment to its mission.
Beyond her work with youth, Jill has served the Coastside through numerous organizations, including current service on the Atkinson Foundation Board and past roles with Senior Coastsiders and Coastside Children’s Programs. She continues to volunteer with local efforts such as *Big Wave, Abundant Grace, Coastside Worker, Second Harvest, Coastside Hope, and Moonridge Tutoring through the Sheriff’s Activity League.
Jill Jacobson’s leadership, compassion, and tireless service have made a lasting impact on the Coastside. Please join us in celebrating her as the 2026 Grand Marshal of the Half Moon Bay Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade.
Activities Before & After the Parade
The Half Moon Bay Lions Club will be hosting its annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast in the City Hall parking lot (501 Main Street) from 8am to 11:30am.
Adding to the celebration is the I.D.E.S. 4th of July Festival, featuring live music, food and drinks, arts and crafts vendors, and fun activities for kids (festival ends at 4 PM).
Parade Details
The parade is sponsored by the Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee and Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival.
Honoring Half Moon Bay’s western heritage and always a parade highlight, there will be a large number of equine entries.
For many locals, it’s one of their favorite events of the year.
The parade starts at 12pm, transforming the charming downtown along Main Street into a pulsating Coastsider take on a mini-Mardi Gras style celebration.
There will be no judging of parade entries this year; simply a celebration of community.
DETAILS & PARADE REGISTRATION
WHEN: Parade starts at 12 noon and lasts approximately one hour.
WHERE: On Main Street in Half Moon Bay, CA.
REGISTRATION FORMS: Those interested in participating can find parade entry forms at City Hall, Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel and Cameron’s Inn or download forms below.
Links to registration forms will be posted here prior to the event.
