Note: Ronnie Lomas passed away in January 2009, after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Fondly remembered for her smile and sense of humor, she will be missed by all who knew her.

Ronnie Lomas, owner of Pageantry Productions, that contractor selected to produce the 4th of July Parade in Huntington Beach, was chosen as the 2007 Bill Gallienne Award winner. The award honors an individual for their long-standing association with the Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration, as a volunteer, employee or consultant. The Huntington Beach Fourth of July Executive Board announced this honor which recognizes Ronnie, who has worked with her husband, Bill Lomas, to produce the annual parade event for 30 years.

The successful Southern California-based parade and events production firm produces a variety of parades throughout the region ranging from ethnic celebrations to holiday-themed parades such as the annual Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade.

Bill Gallienne Award was named for the man who was instrumental in keeping the parade going through the mid-1900's.

The Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade is credited as the oldest parade west of the Mississippi in the U.S. It runs anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours, depending on a variety of factors. Free for the public to watch, estimates of attendance are generally in the 250,000 range (50,000 more than the city's population). Throughout its span, it has hosted celebrities ranging from cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse to presidents of the United States (Franklin D. Roosevelt), and celebrities such as Leave it to Beaver's Jerry Mathers and a host of Hollywood stars. 

Throughout its 100+ year life, the parade has seen huge declines in attendance (nearly ended), street fires from youthful audiences lighting too many fireworks, and now a return to innocence with family focus, games, beach concerts and a fireworks display launched over the the Pacific Ocean.