'LET FREEDOM RING' CITY'S JULY 4 PARADE HONORS MILITARY.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

NEWHALL - Ross Gibson wasn't yet a father 23 years ago, when he moved to the Santa Clarita Valley and began attending the local parade, but his wife and eight kids were by his side Friday as the fire engines, floats and local leaders made their way past cheering crowds.

``By now, it's tradition,'' Gibson said as he pushed a shopping cart filled with folding chairs on his way to Lyons Avenue. ``We come every year. This kind of small-town parade is unusual in Southern California in this day and age.''

Gibson said this year's Santa Clarita Valley Fourth of July parade carries more meaning for him than past years because his father, a retired Air Force colonel, died last week and will be buried with military honors.

The parade debuted in 1932 and still draws thousands of people who line the Newhall streets for a peek at the California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers popping wheelies and a Christmas-theme float complete with a decorated tree, carolers and a dancing Santa in a red suit.

With temperatures nearing the triple digits, however, Santa was spotted after the parade without his white wig and beard, his face nearly as red as his suit.

Despite the heat, people of all ages came with umbrellas, folding chairs and strollers to watch City Council members, Santa Clarita's new sheriff's captain, Patty Minutello, and Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley roll by.

This year's theme, ``Let Freedom Ring,'' made it easy for organizers to select four grand marshals: U.S. Army Maj. Klaire Patterson of Newhall, Marine Col. Wesley May III of Castaic, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Lisa Rawson and Air Force Maj. Yolandea Wood, who waved to onlookers from a Hummer vehicle.

Wood said she felt the support of the crowd as she passed by, including the gratitude from children too young to grasp the reality of war.

``You can tell that (the children) have learned to support the military because they stand up when you go by,'' Wood said. ``They all wave and say thank you. It's really nice to come here and get such a warm welcome.''

Amy Raisin, [phone]

amy.raisin(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

8 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Kristina Brown, 11, salutes as part of the Sunset Equestrian Team during the Santa Clarita July 4 parade Friday.

(2 -- 3 -- color) The grand marshals for the parade, waving to the crowd, are Marine Col. Wesley May, left; Army Major Klaire Patterson; Air Force Major Yolandea Wood; and Navy Lt Cmdr. Lisa Rawson. The Blue Star Mothers float, left, glides along San Fernando Road during the parade Friday.

(4 -- 5) Musicians from Vibe Performing Arts Studios, above, do the wave. Veterans in uniforms from different eras, right, wave the flag.

(6) Kids from Cub Scout Troop 583 from Castaic ride the parade route and wave to the crowds.

(7) Runners huff and puff down the 5K route on Lyons Avenue.

(8) CHP motorcycle officers perform maneuvers along the parade route.

David Sprague/Staff Photographer