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Menlo Park marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a celebration that drew families to Burgess Park for a DIY parade, picnic and open-air circus performances.
A Fourth of July “people parade” kicked off the event outside the Arrillaga Family Gymnasium, where children on red, white and blue-decorated bikes rode alongside neighbors pulling wagons and city officials walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Menlo Park police officers and costumed characters.
After the parade, crowds spread out across the park’s lawn and picnic areas as Circus Bella took the center stage for the second year in a row.
Circus Bella member Mia Fan performs suspended on a rope during the city of Menlo Park’s Fourth of July celebration at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on July 4, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray. 
Arin Naigonkar, 11, plays “The Star-Spangled Banner” on electric guitar during the city of Menlo Park’s Fourth of July celebration at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on July 4, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray. 
Members of Circus Bella wave to the audience during the city of Menlo Park’s Fourth of July celebration at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on July 4, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray.
The local troupe gave two performances of “AH HA!,” a 60-minute show with acrobatics, clowning and live music. Performers drew cheers from the all-ages audience with physical comedy routines and aerial feats as Circus Bella’s All-Star Band performed live music.
For would-be picknickers who arrived empty-handed, food trucks offered plenty of options for lunch and there were free zero-waste picnic supplies provided through a city grant to environmental nonprofit 350 Silicon Valley. The reusable dishware and sorting stations were part of a broader effort to reduce waste at large community events.
The celebration, organized by Menlo Park’s Library and Community Services Department, was billed as both an Independence Day gathering and a recognition of California’s 175th year of statehood.
A child wearing red, white and blue eats food from a food truck during the city of Menlo Park’s Fourth of July celebration at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on July 4, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray. 
A child wearing red, white and blue eats food from a food truck during the city of Menlo Park’s Fourth of July celebration at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on July 4, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray. 
Stephen Treder of Magic Bubbles and Balloons, dressed as Uncle Sam on stilts, bends down to high-five a young attendee during the city of Menlo Park’s Fourth of July celebration at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on July 4, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray. 
Parade participants walk between inflatable air dancers during the city of Menlo Park’s Fourth of July celebration at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on July 4, 2026. Photo by Seeger Gray.
This year’s event was sponsored by American Medical Response and Menlo Swim and Sport.
