Fourth of July, Sonoma style

The theme for Sonoma Community Center’s 2013 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Celebration is “Performance.”

With Roger and Diane Rhoten presiding as this year’s Grand Marshals, the procession around Sonoma Plaza begins at 10 a.m.

Human beings possess a basic need to tell stories through performance. Evidence of theater-like rituals is present in some of the oldest human societies. People gather to perform, or to witness performance. Communities come together briefly to share an event that may be beautiful, funny, moving, compelling, or even life changing. This year, Sonoma Community Center has invited parade entrants to share what performance means to them.

Stars and strips will come alive with dozens of parasols of all sizes from small to very tall supported by center staff, volunteers and performers. Following the parade, the parasols will create a band shell for the performances on the lawn. The parasols are being created by Margaret Hatcher, the Community Center’s special projects manager, who created the unforgettable birthday cake float in 2011 and the giant Agoston Harasthzy puppet in 2012.

After the parade, the annual Patriotic Ceremony begins with songs from The Hometown Band on the lawn of the southeast quadrant of the Plaza. Throughout the day there will be festivities on Plaza including live music food, games and information booths hosted by local nonprofit organizations. Kids will be able to play in a bouncy house thanks to the Sonoma Valley Mothers Club. Everyone is a winner at the Hanna Boys Center’s game booth and Boy Scout Troop 222 will bring back the throw-a-potato-at-the-salami booth. The bash concludes at 5 p.m.

A feast for the Fourth

Beer & wine will be for sale thanks to Budweiser, Lost Coast Brewing Company, Olde Sonoma Public House, Grieve Family Winery, Little Family Vineyards, Chandelle Winery, Ravenswood, and Meadowcroft. Alcohol sales begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m.; all proceeds benefit the Sonoma Community Center.

A variety of American fare will be for sale throughout the day:

• Hot dogs, served by the Rotary of Sonoma Valley
• Snow cones, by Sonoma Music Works
• Pulled pork sandwiches and hamburgers, from St Andrews Presbyterian Church
• Lovin Oven baked goods and Starbucks coffee, from Sonoma Valley Teen Services Gazpacho and eggers, from Pets Lifeline
• Mexican food, from Nuestra Voz
• Nacho boats and root beer floats, by Sonoma Girl Scouts
• Tri-tip sandwiches, by the Sonoma Volunteer Fire Association.

Murphy’s Irish Pub will have an all-day music festival featuring three local bands, an outdoor barbeque, cocktails and beer in the courtyard, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Sonoma Community Center.

Lots of live music

Post parade The Sonoma Hometown Band

1 p.m. The Cork Pullers kick off an afternoon of live music.

2:30 p.m. The El Sisterna Orchestra,

from El Verano School

3 p.m. The Pine Needles

3:40 p.m. Nuestra Voz presents