(sound of parade honking)
Floats and old fashioned cars strolled down Fulton Avenue, honking horns. Marchers flung Frisbees and candy to people on the shady sidelines.
Xueling Dhao sat on the grass watching with family members visiting for the first time from China.
DHAO: "They are really thrilled to see the parade. (LAUGHS) We're really excited."
Dhao says every July-Fourth reminds her of when she became a citizen 20 years ago.
DHAO: "Over here, I feel like you have all the opportunities to do whatever you want. You can be yourself, you know. But back in our own country when I was young, it's like...you cannot dream. But over here, anything you want to do, you can dream of it, and you can work hard and achieve your goal."
There were also float parades in Rancho Cordova and
Carmichael, and a boat parade in Tahoe City.