Palisadian Rob Weber is probably best known by the community for his involvement in the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA) and helping to make the town’s Fourth of July festivities what they are today.
“From day one joining PAPA … Rob became a leading force in improving the quality of the parade musical entries, the committees organizational structure, fundraising outreach and spearheaded PAPA gaining exposure via social media sites,” said longtime parade organizer Rich Wilken.
Earlier this month, the recent PAPA president was named Citizen of the Year for 2013. Weber’s nomination letter noted his “boundless energy, enthusiasm and creativity towards the betterment of the Palisades community.”
When he and his wife, Karyn, decided to move into town in 2001, their realtor warned them their home was near ground zero for the local festivities.
“We had heard that the Fourth of July in the Palisades is kind of a big deal,” Weber said. “You either have to go all in … or you have to get out of town. There’s no in between.”
Weber decided not only would he go all in, he’d get involved. Flash-forward about 14 years and Weber has spent some 10 of those dedicated to growing the parade and fireworks show budget almost two-fold.
“The parade was already around $85K when I started [almost six years ago] and costs almost $110K now,” said Daphne Gronich, current president and former treasurer.
The addition of top-notch marching bands and famous rockers like Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett have made the parade, concert and fireworks some of the West Coast’s best, attracting some 20,000 people, organizers say.
“As the costs of producing the parade and fireworks [increased], Rob brought in a new level of community support,” said Keith Turner, past PAPA president and winner of the 2010 Sparkplug Award for his efforts in organizing the pre-fireworks music concerts. “The number of volunteers have materially increased. The parade is materially better.”
Although the organization’s leaders worry each year about receiving enough community support to cover expenses, the event is much more financially sound because of Weber, Turner said.
Weber has upgraded PAPA’s donation solicitation from a simple snail mail letter to an email newsletter and created a way for patrons to purchase tickets and donate on the organization’s website, palisadesparade.org.
Since the Fourth of July activities are funded solely through donations from community members and businesses, PAPA members have already started fundraising efforts.
To donate, buy tickets or offer your time as a volunteer, visit PAPA’s website. You can also mail a check to P.O Box 1776, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 or drop it off at a Gelson’s Market check stand.
Weber will receive the Citizen of the Year Award at a gala dinner on Thursday, April 24, at the Riviera County Club.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
