Independence Day: A Salute to Heroes

This old-fashioned celebration has become one of the Ramona’s most popular events. The twelfth annual July 4th Family Picnic and Fireworks extravaganza sponsored by the Ramona Rotary Club allows everyone a once-a-year chance to relax and enjoy a good time of eating, visiting, playing games and being entertained.

The program honoring America’s Independence Day will be held again on the ballfields behind Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hansen Lane, at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 4th. Admission is free.

Ramona Rotary Club’s 4th of July is just like the old days, when you could bring your own blankets and chairs; children would run and play to their heart’s content and everyone would join in the fun of contests and games all to be capped off by a spectacular fireworks show.

The family-oriented event has become a main fundraiser for many of the community’s youth, sports, senior and other non-profit groups who set up food and activity booths.

An estimated 5,000 persons attended last year’s event and thousands of others watched the fireworks from their cars, yards and rooftops.

This year’s goal of $18,000 was met by contributions to "I Sponsored A Spark" cans around Ramona and many businesses and individuals making donations of $25 to $1,000.

Master of ceremonies is Pat Conelly. The program will begin with the Presentation of Colors, the Parade of Flags and remarks from new Rotary President Chuck DeMund and Col. Matt Blackledge (USMC Ret.) at 7 p.m. The fun and games of Gunny Sack Races, Tug-O-War, Three-Legged races, Watermelon eating contest and more start the evening’s festivities at 5:30 p.m.

Drawings and prizes bring happiness to many of the winners. This years gift baskets and prizes are greater than ever with drawings held just before the Fireworks display. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

There’s nothing like good old-fashioned fun and what better place to celebrate the 4th of July than Ramona — a community noted for its historical events.