Verrado’s Spirit of Independence was a blast!

The 4th of July at Verrado is one of a kind. The Spirit of Independence celebration was a huge success with parades, pool parties, pie eating, and fireworks.

Verrado’s Spirit of Independence ™ started off with a bang when over 80 residents attended the Bike Decorating Party at The Center on Main™ on the eve of July 4th. Pre-purchased bags were filled with all of the red, white, and blue supplies needed to create a patriotic masterpiece on wheels.

Bright and early the following morning, 500 residents donning their patriotic flare flocked to Main Street to ride, walk, stroll, and march to festive beats in the 11th Annual Children’s Bike Parade.

The parade was kick started with a routine by the Verrado High School Pommies, followed by the inspiring sounds of the Sundin Sisters as they belted the National Anthem.

In traditional form, the Buckeye Fire Department led the parade with an engine truck while the crowd of speedsters and strollers trailed behind until their pedals could go no more. Amongst the crowd of bystanders were Uncle Sam (resident volunteer, Jack Boucher), The Goddard School® handing out helium-filled balloons, and Verrado Realty serving up a complimentary tasty treat to help participants cool down while they mingled on the Village Green.

For those that worked up an appetite, Tempo served up a Pancake Breakfast where neighbors were able to relax and enjoy one another’s company and warm flapjacks throughout the event.

As the day heated up, residents were invited to cool off at the Splashback Pool Party. This was the grand opening celebration of Verrado’s newest amenity, the Heritage Swim Park. The retro themed pool party was packed with entertainment including a surprise dance number by local teen group, YCA, to a remix of ‘Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini’. Verrado’s favorite DJ, Nathan Gantverg of Infinity Entertainment, kept the crowd moving and grooving throughout the afternoon with poolside games and activities.

Swimmers and sunbathers enjoyed activities hosted by Vitras Swim Club and Verrado Men’s Football Club, including a July 4th craft with help from volunteers. Special thank you to Bashas’, our hometown grocer, for serving up 500 complimentary old-fashioned root beer floats and to EPCOR Water for sponsoring the refillable infusion water bottle souvenirs.

This awesome party was just a taste of all that the swim park has to offer!

The fun didn’t stop there. Celebrations continued into the evening as the Verrado Assembly hosted the Fete & Fireworks event at the Verrado Golf Club®. The Verrado Grille sold out the indoor “no sweat” seating, which provided guests with an all-you-can-eat buffet, a refuge from the heat in the comfort of the dining room, and an enclosed patio for perfect fireworks viewing.

Traditional summertime competitions were in full swing starting with the All American Apple Pie Baking Contest. Six lucky judges had the opportunity to taste 9 adult and 4 youth freshly baked pies naming Jennifer Ermoian, King’s Green (adult) and Elena Delmarco, Jackson Green (youth) the award winners who each received a $50.00 Bashas’ gift card. Contestants of the Bashas’ Watermelon Eating Competition were charged with devouring a ¼ watermelon faster than their opponents. Susie Grovel won the honors for the third year in a row.

Next up was one of our all-time favorite activities: the Pie Eating Contest.

With hands behind their backs, participants ravaged ¼ slice of chocolate pudding pie. The one who cleaned their plate the fastest won a Grazie gift card to enjoy a “pie” at a leisurely pace.

Finally, the hour we had all been waiting for. Resident singer, Kiran Mann, belted the National Anthem just before the 12-minute fireworks spectacular lit up the skies over Verrado for a jaw-dropping finale to another memorable Independence Day.

All of these community traditions were made possible with the inspiration, hard work, and dedication of over 40 resident volunteers. A huge thank you to everyone who shared their time and talents!

Check out the rest of our photos from this epic event on Facebook: