Rancho Bernardo’s 42nd annual Spirit of the Fourth Parade and Festivities is scheduled for Monday, July 4.
This year’s theme is “Today’s Youth, America’s Future” and Rancho Bernardo will celebrate today’s youth and their future impact. Grand marshal this year is Dr. John Collins, Poway Unified School District’s Superintendent, in honor of what the local school district does in educating today’s youth to be active, engaged citizens in America’s future.
Joining this year’s Independence Day celebrations as sponsors are: Casa de Las Campanas, hosting the Community Fair; Ashford University, sponsoring the Parade; and Todd and Mari Gutschow, Parade Band Sponsors. “We are extremely appreciative and grateful to have these individuals and corporations as sponsors for the 2011 Spirit of the Fourth Independence Day celebrations. Their distinguished leadership sets an outstanding example for others to follow. It also helps the Spirit of the Fourth more fully support and acknowledge the continuing excellence of our students, while continuing this proud community tradition,” said Steven DeMatteo, Spirit of the Fourth president.
The celebration kicks off Sunday, July 3, at the Freedom Club Concert featuring the US. Marine Corps Depot 28-piece Band in Webb Park. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of patriotic music.
The 4th of July opens in Webb Park with a pancake breakfast and community fair, a static military vehicle display, a classic car show, the “RB Idol” finalists’ performances — and highlighted by the annual ceremony hosted by local veterans at the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial.
As the festivities in Webb Park wind down, join the thousands lining Acena Drive, Rancho Bernardo Road, and Bernardo Center Drive to cheer on the parade. Or, better yet, join in the festivities entering a float in the parade or hosting a booth at the Community Fair.
End the evening at Bernardo Heights Middle School for the night’s entertainment and fireworks. RB Idol winners will perform along with Eve Selis, the featured entertainer.
To donate, sponsor, volunteer, or find out more about the Spirit of the Fourth, email spiritofthefourth@gmail.com or call 858-943-1242.
