Each year, the Monterey 4th of July Parade honors our nation and celebrates our community. Like so many worthwhile things, it's a labor of love that needs help with funding.

Sponsors and partner organizations help defray the costs, but organizing and financing the parade ultimately falls to the Old Monterey Business Association. This is where we invite our community to help. If the Monterey 4th of July Parade is one of your cherished traditions, help us keep it going with your donation of any amount.

Colton Hall Museum presents Old Flags of Monterey, an exhibit featuring a variety of historic and replica flags July 1-31 in celebration of America 250. The Museum, located at 570 Pacific Street, is open daily 10am-4pm, and will be open on July 4.

Included in the exhibit are several original flags, dating from the 19th century, that are seldom on public display, plus the watercolor painting of a bear by Charles Nahl, which is the basis for the current California Republic flag.