Rotary Club's Fireworks Bring Family Fun to the Holiday
By Ruth Lepper

David Castberg singing the National Anthem as a local Boy Scout Troop displays the colors. photo by Carol Kinney

The annual Fourth of July Fireworks and Family Picnic sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ramona continues to draw a crowd estimated between 4,000 and 5,000.

"The club needed to raise $22,000 to put on the show, including fireworks and on-site equipment," said chairman Greg Chick. "The many donations received this year made it all possible."

The Rotary Club raised more than $1,300 selling chances on an opportunity drawing for gift baskets. Donation jars around town prior to the event also helped raise money as well as the "I Sponsored a Spark" campaign where businesses posted names of donors on colorful paper "sparks."

In addition to the 20-minute fireworks display as the grand finale, families were attracted to the event for several reasons - it's close to home for the majority of the people who turn out and a variety of games for youngsters, including sack and three-legged races, watermelon-eating contest, water balloon toss and a tug-of-war, among others.

Above, Karen Clendenen sells opportunity drawing tickets at the Rotary Club's booth. photo by Carol Kinney

For the adults, there was the car-smashing opportunity to take a whack at a wrecked car.

Now in its 14th year, the event is held in the ballfield at Olive Peirce Middle School. Several nonprofit groups set up booths selling food and souvenirs, as well as offering information.

Children concentrate on the water balloon toss game. photo by Carol Kinney Patriotic Levi Lopez, 2, tries to fit all of his parade candy in his mouth at once. Photo by Jamey Ritter Ramona Little Leaguers enjoy riding in the San Diego Country Estates parade. Photo by Jamey Ritter Katelyn Skinner, 2, and Jenessa Brusich, 2, marching with Ramona & Julian Dance. Photo by Jamey Ritter Ramona Rodeo Queen Mackenzie Cayford. Photo by Jamey Ritter