By Associated Press - Tuesday, July 4, 2017

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on July 4th parades in California (all times local):

1:30 p.m.

One of the oldest Independence Day traditions in California is such a big deal that people start saving spots for the parade months in advance.

KGO-TV reports Tuesday (https://abc7ne.ws/2tJgovd ) that some people start leaving their chairs in mid-May for the mile-plus route. Some fans even block off their spots with tape or chain them together.

The parade in Morgan Hill is one of the oldest Fourth of July traditions in California going back to 1876. The town is at the southern end of Silicon Valley and about 70 miles (113 kilometers) south of San Francisco.

Organizers expect 50,000 people this year. The parade began around 10 a.m.

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11 a.m.

Decked out in red, white and blue, Californians waved flags and sang patriotic songs at Independence Day parades across the state.

Hundreds lined the streets under bright sunshine Tuesday for seaside Santa Monica’s annual celebration, which featured bands and classic cars.

California’s love affair with the automobile was also front-and-center at South Pasadena’s parade, which had the theme “Freedom on the Road. Celebrating Route 66.”

The parades were among dozens up and down the state this July 4th.

After the sun goes down, the parties will continue with fireworks displays. Among the largest in the Los Angeles area will be the annual fanfare at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

To the north, officials are hoping clouds will clear in time for the big display over San Francisco Bay.

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