OCEANSIIDE – Thousands of Oceanside residents celebrate the city’s 133^road Anniversary and Independence Day Saturday afternoon.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, city officials cancelled the event last year.

“Traditionally, we expect 5,000 to 7,000 people after no events last year,” said Mark Olsen, manager of Waterfront Parks and Entertainment.

Event organizers closed the Rancho Del Oro Drive from Oceanside Boulevard to Mesa Drive, bringing in music performances and food truck suppliers.

Mariner Maguire Jackson was the first to enlist in the pandemic. He told Fox 5 that this July 4th weekend was very special for him.

“I want to serve my country, and I feel good if I want to wear a uniform,” Jackson said.

After a year full of restrictions, several families are happy to go out again.

“For me, the fact is that we are all together, especially this year, because we couldn’t do this last year, so I think it’s just special,” said Vista resident Mollie Zuniga Summers.