‘Betsy Ross’ leads way on patriotism with 4th of July Kiddie Parade, 250th anniversary exhibit

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With more than 20 years of experience, Ruth Erickson is once again preparing to lead the way for Hollister’s annual Fourth of July Kiddie Parade as Betsy Ross, alongside Uncle Sam portrayed by John Wroble this year.

Erickson, who was born in England, said there’s some irony in her leading the parade dressed as an iconic figure in American history. She has also donated her trove of historical memorabilia to the San Benito County Free Library for a display honoring the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in a show of patriotism.

“When I was first asked, probably more than 20 years ago,” Erickson said, “if I would be Betsy Ross by the Hollister city clerk at the time, Geri Johnson, I said, ‘First of all, the Americans threw out the English, and now you want an English person to be Betsy Ross.’ And so she laughed and said, ‘Sure’” 

Participants are invited to decorate bikes, trikes, scooters, wagons, strollers and even walking shoes in red, white and blue. The parade begins at City Hall at 9 a.m. on July 4 and ends on Fifth Street.

“A lot of kids will decorate their bikes and their tricycles with ribbons or something, red, white and blue,” Erickson said. “Some kids walk, so there’s a lot of color and silliness that goes on. But there aren’t too many parades for kids, and this is the one we’ve had for, I don’t know how many years. It’s been a long time.”

Meanwhile, Erickson’s collection of historical memorabilia is on view in the lobby of the county library.

“I’ve been collecting for a long time,” Erickson said. “It’s just something that I put together this year because it is a special year, and the library was very open to having it.”

Erickson said the display includes memorabilia and ceramic plates featuring Betsy Ross, France’s involvement in the American Revolution, the nation’s founding fathers and more.

Erickson said the display will be open to the public through the end of July.

The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.