by Breeanna Jent on 2015-07-08
The backdrop scene on Saturday, July 4 near Sylvan Park was a crystal blue sky punctuated by red, white and blue.
The patriotic colors permeated the city as the Redlands Community 4th of July celebration began. Kicked off by the annual parade beginning at Franklin School and working its way around to Sylvan Park, the Redlands Kiwanis Club's 4th of July committee, the University of Redlands and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians helped put on one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the state.
Redlanders and other visitors came out to honor "The Good Old Days," following this year's theme, with a parade theme of "Happy Birthday Uncle Sam," event leaders said.
And looking around, it was easy to believe one was in The Good Old Days.
Marching units, bands, floats, musical and equestrian groups and antique cars all brought visitors out of 2015 and into the past. Marching units dressed in traditional Revolutionary War garb, complete with muskets and flutes, paid tribute to the nation's founding fathers and those early Americans who risked their lives for Independence.
Following the parade, visitors were invited to enjoy activities at Sylvan Park, where they enjoyed vendor booths, food and other goodies by several local service and civic clubs.
Skydiving and a plane flyover were some of the highlights of this year's celebration.
The celebration began its end with the grand finale beginning about 7 p.m. with a live show and opening ceremonies that included a flag ceremony and a US Air Force C-17 flyover. Skydivers landed in the stadium and live music performances by the Yardogs began at 8 p.m.
One of the biggest fireworks shows held at the event to date kicked off at 9 p.m. to end the day under the direction of Jeff Martin, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza sales manager.
The fireworks show also featured a 9-foot-by-12-foot jumbotron to make sure all had a good view of the fireworks.
The 2015 winners are as follows:
Color Guards:
1. America Legion Post 650
Drill Teams:
1. Twirl-er-etters
2. California Youth Spirit All Stars
3. VA Hospital Loma Linda
Marching Units:
1. Zanja Fife & Drum
2. Redlands Elk Lodge #583
3. Cub Scout Pack 16
Floats:
1. Inland Empire Square Dancer
2. The Door Christian Church
3. Monday Night Church Family
Antique single Car:
1. Eugene Chavez – 1938 Chevy
2. Kenneth Johnson – 1968 US Army truck
3. Herbie the Love Bug – 1963 VW
Antique group Car:
1. Norton Air Force Museum 63rd/445th VA
2. Paradise Valley Model A Club
Best Theme: California State Grange
Novelty: Redlands Animal Shelter
Sweepstake: Search and Rescue San Bernardino County
[END]
Redlands' Community Fourth of July!
SATURDAY JULY 4TH 2015 Celebration
Sylvan Park, 601 N University St, Redlands, CA 92374
Booths open: 10 a.m.
Parade: 10:30 a.m.
Live entertainment: 11 a.m.
Each year the citizens of Redlands band together to celebrated Independence Day in grand fashion. The 4th of July Committee works tirelessly throughout the year to plan a fun filled day for the entire family. The day begins with a picnic at beautiful Sylvan Park: Food; Games; Music!
Official T-Shirts: Monday June 1st official T-shirts will be on sale for $15.00 at the Redlands City Clerk’s Office. The shirt will also be sold at the committee booth in Sylvan Park on SATURDAY JULY the 4th. .
Park Activities: Many local service and civic clubs are expected to participate in the daytime activities in Sylvan Park, Section A on University Street near the University of Redlands. Set up is expected to get underway at 7 a.m. and booths should be open at 10 a.m. Live entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. 4th of July Parade will march around the park.
Stadium: Once again the University of Redlands plays host to one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the State of California. The gates at the U of R Stadium will open by 6 p.m. The live show and opening ceremonies will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will include a flag ceremony and a USAF C-17 flyover. After the flyover, skydivers will be landing in the stadium. The Live show, at 8:00pm, will feature performances by the "Yardogs". The Fireworks show under the direction of Jeff Martin, citizen of Redlands and Sales Manager for Pyro Spectaculars by Souza will begin about 9pm.
The University of Redlands in association with the San Manual Tribe of Indians put on their annual 4th of July celebration. Featuring the Inland Empire's best firework display, this July evening was truly one to remember. Photos by Charlie Perry all rights reserved. Need a photographer? Contract Charlie at 785 691 5895. Email him at cperry52@rocketmail.com or Tweet @CharlieHPerry