Fourth of July 2012 on the Palos Verdes Peninsula will be celebrated with two special public events for Palos Verdes homes owners, each one with its own twist.
Palos Verdes Estates homes owners will be holding their 51st Annual Independence Day Celebration at Malaga Cove School. The celebration is an annual community tradition where volunteers work together to provide a day of family fun and renew a sense of appreciation for our independence and freedom. This year’s Heritage of Freedom Award recipient is former two term Los Angeles Mayor and California Secretary of Education, Richard Riodan. Dee Keese, the force behind the Peninsula’s 4-H Club, will be honored with the Van Dine Family Americanism Award. This is given every year to a Peninsula Resident who has contributed in a special way to add to the quality of life in America. Besides these two special guests, local students will be recognized for the Herbert Albright Essay contest, and the Bryan and Denise Harwick Memmorial award for patriotism and community service.
The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with Apple Pie Entries being accepted for judging. These must be homemade and contain apples. Any age can participate. Face Painting will also be offered to get children ready for the big Children’s Patriotic Bicycle Parade which starts at 10:10 a.m. At 10:15 Jim Gamble will once again entertain with his All American Puppet Show; and at 10:30 a.m. the formal program and awards invocation will begin. The food for sale is being provided by Palos Verdes Estates Boy Scout Troop 257. After the dedication ceremonies, (starting at noon) there will be picnics, family games and patriotic music by Jim Sitterly and the Sousapaloossa Band. What a way to celebrate this special day!
Malaga Cove School is located at 300 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. For more information go to www.pvjuly4.org.
Rancho Palos Verdes will host their 37th Annual Independence Day celebration at Point Vicente Park Civic Center located at 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The Palos Verdes Symphonic Band will be entertaining from 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. followed by the Mayors Welcome. At 1:00 p.m., there will be a pie eating contest followed by the Palos Verdes Strings at 1:30 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., Jim Gamble Puppets will begin their performance and then prepare yourself for the Hula Hoop Contest at 2:30 p.m. The afternoon will continue with live music from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with performances by Booner McLellan and the Rhythm Rangers and Michele Nardone’s violin students.
There will be shopping in the arts and crafts area, and the midway will feature rides and games for children of all ages. You can also take a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view of the celebration and look at our beautiful coastline. You may also visit the petting zoo, ride ponies and see the local community booths. There is also a food court and beer & wine garden.
Admission to the celebration is free, but parking is $5. There is a complimentary shuttle service provided from Ralphs Market Hawthorne & Crest) and the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. For more information contact the Rancho Palos Verdes Receation and Parks Dept. at (310) 544-5260.
Photo courtesy of Palos Verdes City Hall
