NOT QUITE 76 TROMBONES but close as the Huntington Beach Host Band plays and marches up Main Street (Orange County Tribune photos by Jim Tortolano).

Loudspeakers blared “Born in the USA” and “God Bless the USA.” Dogs barked and helicopters flew overhead. A huge marching band played patriotic airs and people dressed in their best red-white-and blue beachwear strolled and biked up and down Main Street.

BARBARA DELGLEIZE, mayor of Huntington Beach.

The annual 118th 4th of July Parade came back to downtown Huntington Beach on Monday as the centerpiece of a four-day salute to America, music, fireworks, beer and fatty foods.

Starting promptly at 10 a.m. the procession stepped off north from Pacific Coast Highway up Main Street through the community’s original – and still growing – central business district.

Vehicles, local officials, performers and musical acts entertained the large crowds that thronged along the way under shady skies.

The parade was only one of the attractions of the holiday observance. There’s a carnival at PCH and 6th Street (to 10 p.m. today) and a professional fireworks display over the pier at 9 p.m.

POLYNESIAN DANCERS put on a colorful show.