Patriotic parades, swimming parties, barbecues, homemade apple pies and of course fireworks, are some of the many traditions that Americans associate with Independence Day. The national holiday represents the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the birth of the United States of America.
Here in Verrado, residents will come together over the July 4th weekend to enjoy the nostalgia of summertime with good ‘ole hometown fun during the 11th Annual Spirit of Independence.
On Friday, July 3, grab your bicycle and head over to The Center on Main for the Bike Decorating Party. Be sure to register for this event so that you can deck out your wheels in red, white and blue to show off your patriotic spirit during the Children’s Bike Parade the following morning.
A favorite of the young and young at heart, the Children’s Bike Parade gets the Fourth of July morning started off right. Whether you are a rider or a bystander, throw on some star-spangled attire and head on down to Main Street bright and early to enjoy music and photo ops with family, friends and Uncle Sam. Grab a coffee from Tempo and a donut from Bashas’ to fuel up for the day. After you have circled the Village Green be sure to stop by our friends at Verrado Realty for a complimentary cool treat.
Bring your camera and snap shots of the festivities to enter in Verrado’s Facebook photo contest. Categories include Best Patriotic Spirit, Best Family or Group, Best Portrait and Best Spirit of the Event (Children’s Bike Parade). Verrado Facebook fans will vote and the photo with the most votes overall will be deemed the 2015 grand prize winner. Winners of each category will receive a gift card to one of our Main Street businesses. Say “like”!
Now that you’ve warmed up on the parade route it is time to cool down at the Splashback Pool Party as we celebrate the grand opening of Verrado’s newest hang out.
The Heritage Swim Park, with its design reminiscent of classic municipal aquatic facilities of the 1950s, will send you back in time to a bygone era while you soak up the modern luxuries synonymous with active outdoor living. Join your hipster neighbors as we ‘splashback’ in time with poolside activities, complimentary root beer floats from Bashas’, food truck grub and groovy beats for the whole family to enjoy. If you dig it, be sure to show up early for first dibs on some nifty stuff.
The party continues with Fete & Fireworks at the Verrado Golf Club that evening with a free patriotic community celebration including a live band, kids’ “water park”, pie-eating contest, watermelon eating contest and food truck concessions. Watch in awe as the spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky over Verrado at 9 p.m.
Stay cool indoors by purchasing “no sweat” seating which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and a perfect view of the show from an enclosed patio. Reservations must be made online by visiting verradogolfclub.com.
Calling all resident bakers – the Great American Apple Pie Baking Contest needs you! Test out your favorite recipe on the judges by entering your apple pie into the competition. Drop off your prize-winning pie at the Verrado Golf Club between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. Judges will score on taste, texture and appearance (recommended to avoid heat-sensitive toppings). Winners of the youth and adult contest will be announced at 8:45 p.m. and will go home with a ribbon and $50 Bashas’ gift card. May the best pie win!
The Verrado Assembly has volunteer opportunities available for those interested in lending their time and talents during these events. Check out the event calendar to sign up. Need more info? Contact Joy Rosek, joy.rosek@verrado.comIn addition to appreciation, volunteers will receive a meal voucher redeemable during the event they are assisting with.
What is your favorite memory of July 4th? We’d love to hear some of the wonderful traditions celebrated by residents. Have a fun and safe Independence Day!