EDITORIAL:Small-town parade, small-town values

Saturday’s parade proves that, no matter how famous Laguna Beach gets, or how high its property values go, this is still a small town at heart.

A lot of volunteer effort goes into this one-of-a-kind parade celebrating patriotism in March. Many towns have Fourth of July parades marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but Laguna Beach is probably the only municipality that celebrates the core tenets of U.S. democracy at this time of year.

The crisp, sunny weather and relative lack of out-of-town visitors, compared to other times of the year, make it the perfect time in Laguna for folks to dress up and step out.

Some ride in classy classic cars, some in trolleys and some walk. Many don red, white and blue, while others turn out in purple, pink and polkadots.

It’s the kind of parade where just about anyone is able to participate, from kids to older people, horses to dogs.

But it’s not a free-for-all. Lines are drawn, and as a result some feel left out.

This year’s parade saw a little less turnout than last year, attributed by some to the courtroom drama that played out last year over the rejection of the Minuteman Project from the parade, which drew a lot of attention locally and nationally.

This is a different type of parade, not like others that celebrate religious or political holidays, like St. Patrick’s Day or Independence Day.

Political and religious organizations are not welcome, and parade organizers make no bones about that.

Those who are unable or unwilling to play by the rules are not accepted.

As Parade Assn. President Charles Quilter has said, “It [a parade entry] must pass the Brownie test.” In other words, if a small girl would find the entry disturbing for any reason, it should not be in the parade. Small-town parade, small-town values.

Last year, a vegetarian activist wanted to march with a “Meat Is Murder” message, displaying a slaughterhouse picture. She was also turned down flat.

This year, a local minister has accused parade organizers of discriminating against his church, which apparently marched in the parade 10 years ago — even winning a trophy — but has been turned down over the past few years.

While no church entries were seen in this parade, many church members found ways to participate without promoting their religion over others’ beliefs.

This parade is a celebration of the American melting pot, and even a melting pot has to have rules to keep it from boiling over.

Still, we hope that the parade organizers and the minister can come to some agreement for participation in next year’s parade.

No one should feel left out of a celebration of inclusiveness.