Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch have full day of July 4th activities

By Elizabeth Marie Himchak

Fireworks are not the only thing Rancho Bernardans can expect on July 4 since an entire day of activities are available to celebrate the Spirit of the Fourth.

The festivities will start off at 7 a.m. when the Knights of Columbus from St. Michael’s and San Rafael Catholic churches join forces to present the community pancake breakfast in Webb Park. But if one does not want to get up early on the holiday, there will still be pancakes, sausages and other breakfast fare available through 11 a.m.

Breakfast tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 4-12 years and free for children under 4 years and to military personnel in uniform. Purchase at the event.

Webb Park can be reached via Avena Place.

As for other activities in Webb Park during the Spirit of the Fourth Community Fair, pet owners can bring Fido, Fluffy, Fifi or Feathers to show their patriotic spirit at the patriotic pet contest that goes from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

All are welcome to join Rancho Bernardo veterans at a 10:45-11:30 a.m. commemoration ceremony at the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial in Webb Park near the pond.

Regarding other community fair offerings, these will include entertainment from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — among performers will likely be finalists in the inaugural Golden Idol competition; the Wheels of Freedom motor show, an art walk, the Quilts of Valor quilt show and community service projects. The latter are a food drive and flag retirement. There will also be games and activities for children, as well as vendors selling food, ice cream, candy and beverages.

The 43rd annual Spirit of the Fourth parade will go be 3:30-5 p.m. Parade attendees will likely want to stake out their viewing spots early along Rancho Bernardo Road and Bernardo Center and Acena Drives. The latter two streets will have parade announcers.

Among those planning on being in the parade will be grand marshal Cmdr. John Love, USN, and his family – representing the parade theme of Salute the Troops: Honoring the Military Family; the Rancho Bernardo High Royal Regiment and Poway High Emerald Brigade marching bands; several politicians — Mayor Jerry Sanders, Councilman Carl DeMaio, Councilman-elect Mark Kersey, Congressman Brian Bilbray, Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis; recently crowned queens — Miss Rancho Bernardo Mackenzie Bale, Miss Rancho Bernardo Teen Ling Zeng and Miss San Diego Cities Kayla Ross; several Scout troops along with YMCA twirlers, service and community organization representatives, patriotic groups and local businesses.

The pre-fireworks show evening entertainment will occur at Bernardo Heights Middle School, 12990 Paseo Lucido. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and entertainers will take the stage starting at 6:30 p.m. when Sara and Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek perform. They will be followed at 8 p.m. by singer Kristi Krause, who was an “American Idol” contestant this spring. At 8:30 p.m. the new RB Idol finalists will give encore performances and the fireworks will start at 9 p.m.

Admission to the evening festivities is a suggested donation of $20 per family or $5 per individual.

4S Ranch residents have through Saturday to purchase discounted July 4 carnival tickets for their children.

The community’s annual Independence Day carnival will be 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 4 in Linear Park, which is near Monterey Ridge Elementary, 17117 4S Ranch Parkway.

The event is only open to 4S Ranch residents, who must present their HOA ID cards, and their guests since the event is organized by the 4S Ranch Master Association.

Carnival tickets are only required for children over 2 years old, since those 2 years and younger along with adults are admitted for free. If the tickets are purchased by Saturday, June 30 at www.4Sconnect.com they are $6 per child. Tickets at the gate are $10 per child.

With a wristband (ticket), children will have access to activities such as bounce houses, games, crafts and water slides, so organizers are advising parents to dress their children in swim suits or clothing that can get wet. There will also be food, snacks and beverages available for purchase.

Also throughout the day, 4S Ranch residents will be able to use their community’s swimming pool for free. The pool, next door to the 4S Ranch Boys & Girls Club, 16118 4S Ranch Parkway, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4. Residents will have to present their HOA photo ID cards for free admission. Residents without ID and guests will be charged $5 each.

The evening festivities and fireworks show will take place in the Del Norte High School stadium, 16601 Nighthawk Lane. The gates will open at 7 p.m. and attendees will pay $5 per vehicle to park, which benefits the Del Norte athletics program. Due to limited parking, locals are being encouraged by organizers to walk to the school or carpool.

Attendees cannot bring chairs, glass, pets or tobacco. Food will be available for purchase. The fireworks show will begin at dusk.