Concert kicks off RB’s Independence Day celebration
Rancho Bernardo will begin its Independence Day celebration early, when it hosts a concert featuring a Marine Corps band.
The free concert of patriotic music will be held in Webb Park at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 3.
Freedom Club members (those who donated $125 or more to this year’s festivities) will receive reserved seating at the concert, said Steve DeMatteo, Spirit of the Fourth president.
All other concert attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket for grass seating or to purchase a special “Spirit of the Fourth” blanket at the concert for $20. Refreshments will also be available for purchase, DeMatteo said.
Rancho Bernardo’s 41st annual July 4 festivities will start at Webb Park when a community fair is held from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among the events planned for the fair are a pancake breakfast by the Poway Kiwanis Club from 7:30-11 a.m.; a vendor, art and craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and children’s activities starting at 10 a.m. There will also be a wide assortment of refreshments available for purchase.
From 11:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 15 local youths will be competing for the title “RB Idol” and prizes. The talent show will be held on the same stage as the July 3 concert.
Throughout the fair, Courtyard by Marriott will have wine, beer and mixed drinks available for purchase and host a quilt exhibit.
In a parking lot adjacent to the park, fans of classic, exotic and custom cars and motorcycles will want to check out the Wheels of Freedom Motor Show from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Attendees will have an opportunity to express their thanks to military heroes when a memorial service is held at the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial in Webb Park from 10:45-11:30 a.m. There will also be a display of military vehicles.
Throughout the day, locals can donate non-perishable food items for Interfaith Community Service’s food pantry.
The ever-popular, 41st annual “Spirit of the Fourth” parade along Acena Drive, Rancho Bernardo Road and Bernardo Center Drive will begin at 3:30 p.m. The parade, led by this year’s grand marshals – 12 Purple Heart recipients living in San Diego County, will conclude around 5 p.m.
“Our mission is to provide a celebration that keeps with the spirit of the Founding Fathers and relays the excitement of our nation’s independence,” DeMatteo said. “This year, please join the Spirit of the Fourth in saluting our wounded warriors, those brave young men and women who have gone beyond the call of duty and self-sacrifice.
“Without them, we would not have the opportunity to gather as we do today (and) we are deeply indebted to their service,” he said.
The July 4 evening festivities will begin at 6 p.m. when gates open at Bernardo Heights Middle School. Musical entertainment will occur from 6:30 p.m. until shortly before the 9 p.m. fireworks show accompanied by music broadcast by KYXY radio station.
The suggested admission donation to the fireworks show is $5 per person or $10 per family.
DeMatteo said organizers anticipate about one-fourth of the fireworks show’s costs will be covered by donations received that night.
As for other monetary donations, DeMatteo said the community’s financial assistance is still needed. Last week a letter was sent to Rancho Bernardans requesting their financial support of the volunteer-organized community celebration.
While donations of any size are appreciated, he said there is still time for residents who want to receive Freedom Club perks to join. Besides reserved seating at the July 3 concert, Freedom Club members will be invited to a VIP reception and valet parking prior to the parade and special seating at the parade and fireworks show.
The best way to make donations, he said, is via PayPal at www.spiritofthefourth.org.
Volunteers are still needed throughout the July 4 activities, he added. To volunteer, contact DeMatteo at spiritofthefourth@gmail.com or 858-943-1242.
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