2007 will mark the 10th year that local Realtor Susan O'Brien of Sotheby's International Realty's Hollywood Beach office, has produced the Channel Islands Fourth of July Parade.

What began as a children's neighborhood procession has grown into an open-invitation for patriots of all ages that last year saw more than 100 entries.

"The parade has received tremendous enthusiasm from the business community as well as the participants, which led us to realize there is a potential for nonprofit organizations to benefit. For the third year, The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme will act as official partner and recipient of all proceeds," O'Brien said.

Several members of the local community have stepped up to assist in the success of the event, making it a true neighborhood effort. Sotheby Realty agents and their families from the Hollywood Beach office assist in the production on parade day as well as several "civilian" volunteers from the neighborhood.

Businesses such as Fidelity Title, Mainstreet Mortgage, First American Title, Buyer's Home Warranty and Santa Barbara Bank and Trust have contributed financially. Several Harbor lessees also have contributed to the parade's success including Vintage and Channel Islands Marina who donate the use of their parking lots for staging, Channel Islands Yacht Club who supply the Parade Marshals, and the Channel Islands Harbor Foundation which assists in the permits. In addition, many city and county departments are involved in supplying security and facilities including the Oxnard Police Department who coordinate the street closures and lead the parade.

"It is a true hometown parade born from the desire of the beach community to get together and boast their patriotism. The casual spirit of this small Southern California beach community is what makes the parade so charming. Everyone wants to be involved," O'Brien said.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at 2800 South Harbor Blvd. in front of the Harbor Landing Center and proceeds about a mile down the road ending at 3800 S. Harbor, just past the Whale's Tail Restaurant. Spectators can circle up their lawn chairs anywhere along the route. Festivities will continue nearby at Marine Emporium Landing where there will be entertainment, activities, a farmer's market and food booths ongoing throughout the day. Other activities including Maritime Museum tours, children's petting zoo, arts and crafts and live music will be offered at Fisherman's Wharf. A fireworks display visible from any Channel Islands Harbor venue or beach, hosted by the Channel Islands Harbor and City of Oxnard will ensue at 9 p.m

Entry forms for the parade are available at the Sotheby's International Realty Oxnard office or online at http://www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Entry for individuals and nonprofits are free while commercial entry is $50.

For more information or to participate as a sponsor, call O'Brien at 207-9579.