Verrado showed incredible patriotic pride during the Spirit of Independence festivities on July 3 and 4.

With the help of the Verrado Ambassadors, 80 creative kiddos had an opportunity to deck out their wheels of choice with stars, stripes, streamers and more during the Bike Decorating Party on July 3.

The excitement for the Hometown Parade was apparent, as a record number of participants gathered on Main Street for the parade. In customary form, the parade was led by Verrado’s favorite fire fighters in an engine truck followed by red, white and blue adorned golf carts, bicycles, scooters, wagons and even a miniature pony drawn float! Uncle Sam (aka Don Nikel of Astoria Gardens) took time out to share in the special day along with our friend Scoopy, who passed out coins for free custards from Culver’s.

The extended parade route took participants down to a full blown Patriotic Party including Ferris wheel and rocking pirate ship carnival rides. To keep the crowd cool,Verrado Realty shared ice cream treats, EPCOR provided 40 cases of bottled water, and The Goddard School served up 500 snow cones to raise donations for S.E.E.D, a partner of The Giving Tree program. Activities hosted by the Academy Club, local Cub Scouts, VeeBee Homeschoolers, and Cami Camp kept the party going along with music, dancing and games with our entertaining DJ. To help beat the heat, guests slid on water inflatables and 100 opponents showed off their throwing and catching skills in an intense water balloon toss challenge.

During the highly anticipated (and competitive) Watermelon Eating Contest, residents devoured 84 watermelon boats. Denver Smith of Astoria Gardens and Kalen Steward of Poet’s were the champions in the youth category with the adult competition ending in a tie between Russ Delija and Susie Geduld of Prospector.

What would Independence Day be without freshly baked homemade apple pie? Verrado’s Apple Pie Baking Contest brought out some tough competition this year, giving judges the very difficult task of selecting a winner. Scores from these pie sampling experts were based upon taste, texture and appearance. Adult winner Holly Anderson of Franklin Terrace, and Youth winner Elena DeMarco (age 14) of Jackson Green, were proudly presented with a $50 Bashas’ gift card and a first prize ribbon. Congratulations and thank you to all who entered and shared their amazing baking abilities with us.

Later that day the Pool Party at the Heritage Swim Park featured live steel drum music and poolside games, allowing neighbors an opportunity to cool off and chill out leading up to the Fireworks Over Verrado that evening.

We caught some great photos of Verrado residents and their guests during the fun-filled day. View the photo gallery on Facebook.

Many special thanks to the volunteers who contributed more than 40 hours to make this day a success. Without their passion and commitment to giving back to their community events like this would not be possible. We salute you!