HOME-STYLE AMERICANA; RESIDENTS GATHER FOR 4TH, REVIVE NEIGHBORLY SPIRITS.

Byline: Yvette Cabrera Daily News Staff Writer

There were no floats and the patriotic marching music was provided by a boombox, but what the Nanette Street neighborhood's Fourth of July parade lacked in scale, it made up for in old-fashioned holiday spirit.

Babies waved tiny flags from their strollers, parents pulled wagonloads of toddlers, and boys and girls teetered by on bicycles covered with streamers as the group of about 50 residents marched around the 17000 block of Nanette Street in the neighborhood's first annual Independence Day parade.

Throughout Southern California, the holiday was celebrated with all kinds of festivals, fairs and organized picnics, but the heartland appeal of a Fourth of July parade was a popular draw. Neighborhood parades brought crowds to the streets of the San Fernando Valley in the type of event that provides city slickers with a slice of Americana.

``This is what people are looking for today living in Los Angeles,'' said Lisa Speers, who recently moved to Nanette Street with her husband and three young boys. ``It's a big, metropolitan city and residents are looking for a sense of home and family.''

In many ways, the parade reminded her of the fictional town of Mayberry from ``The Andy Griffith Show,'' Speers said.

``It feels like what America should be,'' she said. ``We should be able to give this to everybody.''

When parade organizer Barbara Kaplan sent out 250 fliers to announce the parade, she wasn't sure what to expect. But in no time, residents began calling to offer help.

The nearby Knollwood Bakery donated six pounds of cookies, next-door neighbors Carl and Eva McCraven brought festive ``firecracker'' Popsicles, and others came with lemonade and balloons.

``I wanted to instill a sense of tradition,'' said Kaplan, whose young children marched in the parade. ``People are already talking about doing a block barbecue and doing something to get all the neighbors together again.''

For many of the residents, the parade was chance to meet neighbors for the first time.

``It's funny how you never seem to get together with your neighbors unless someone makes the effort to do something like this,'' said Frank Cox, a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Marines.

The last time Cox marched in a parade was during the post-war years, but he came out full-force Saturday toting his American flag.

``I think it's just fun. Most people ought to do it,'' Cox said.

For parents, the parade was not only an opportunity to instill a sense of patriotism, but also a sense of community spirit in their children.

``My kids jumped out of bed at 7 a.m. today - they were so excited,'' Speers said. ``They kept saying, We can meet new friends.''

Cecilia Maldonado's three young daughters began decorating their bicycles the very day they received the parade flier.

``We came home and found glitter all over the floor,'' she said.

Michael Paliwoda, who lives in Reseda, got up at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, just so that he could participate in the parade with his grandparents, who live on Nanette Street.

``I just like parades. I go to all the parades,'' said Paliwoda, 10, who decorated the spokes of his bicycle with red, white and blue streamers.

In Newhall, thousands lined the streets of Santa Clarita to celebrate Independence Day during its annual parade.

The Santa Clarita Valley Assembly of the Knights of Columbus led the colors on the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of America.

``It is a glorious occasion,'' said Newhall resident Angelica Knight, who has attended 13 parades there.

Floats representing the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the California Highway Patrol followed Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block and Assemblyman George Runner, R-Lancaster.

In Moorpark, merchants in the oldest part of town held their Fourth of July High Street Celebration. Families with young children, teen-agers and seniors came by for a taste of the holiday.

``I thought the girls would enjoy it,'' said Pat Copelan, who brought her daughters, Emily, 1, and Marisa, 3. ``Fourth of July is a time for the family to get out and enjoy the (holiday) events.''

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1) Residents of Nanette Street and neighboring blocks in Granada Hills troop down the road Saturday waving flags for the Fourth of July.

(2) Willie Michelson, 6, hoists Old Glory while riding atop his brother Richard's shoulders in the Nanette Street neighborhood parade.

Gus Ruelas/Daily News