La Verne Marks 250 Years of American Independence with Fourth of July Celebration 🇺🇸
A replica of the Liberty Bell will take center stage in La Verne’s Fourth of July parade this year, serving as the grand marshal as the City marks 250 years of American Independence.
Red, white and blue will once again fill the streets of La Verne as residents gather for the Fourth of July, the City’s annual Independence Day celebration, a tradition that brings together community organizations, local businesses and families across the City.
Residents who have attended the parade for decades said the parade is a community bonding tradition.
Gary Gonzales said his favorite memories include when his children participated in sports and they were able to ride on floats in the parade, where water fights were once a part of the celebration.
He said La Verne’s celebration is unique compared to other cities.
“I think there are a lot of cities across the state that don't do much,” he said. “Our little town does it, I like the patriotic feel of it.”
Joe Ortega has been attending the parades since he was a baby, his children are the sixth generation to live in La Verne, and attending the parade each year has become a family tradition, he said.
“It’s a good family time,” Ortega said “You run into everyone you know, some people you haven’t seen in a long time.”
Both Gonzales and Ortega said they enjoy the motorcycle -preparade ride that kicks off the celebration.
This year’s celebration marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, adding special significance to the festivities. Organizers said the milestone will be reflected through focusing on historical symbolism and community participation. A central feature this year will be a replica of the Liberty Bell, which will be highlighted as the Grand Marshal of the parade.
Sitting in front of City Hall, La Verne’s full-scale replica of the Liberty Bell was produced in 1976 and was created by the original foundry, Whitechapel Bell Foundry, which created the original bell in 1752. The bell will serve as a visual centerpiece for the celebration and a reminder of the city’s connection to the national connection rooted in freedom and independence.
Fourth of July parade organizer and City Principal Planner Candice Bowcock said the bell was chosen to help residents connect to its historical meaning.
“It was important to recognize the bell and teach people about the bell who may not know anything about it,” Bowcock said.
One La Verne resident with a July 4 birthday will have the chance to lead this year’s parade as part of the City’s “Ring the Bell for La Verne” contest. The winner will ride at the front of the parade and ring the replica Liberty Bell throughout the route. Applicants must be La Verne residents born on July 4.
Sherry Best, president of La Verne Historical Society, said the La Verne community takes pride in its history.
For more than 30 years, the Historical Society has displayed a 1938 International truck that belonged to the organization’s second president.
“Our truck represents our history,” Best said. “The truck has over 960,000 miles on it.”
The society plans for the 1938 truck to participate this year’s parade, carrying banners to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Two identical banners on either side of the truck will thank those who have supported the organization.
Best said last year’s parade was one of her favorite memories. The truck, decorated with an Uncle Sam hat, carried Harvey Good, recipient of the Jack Huntington Pride of La Verne Award.
Best said the society is also currently working with the City to create a library display to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Bowcock said the celebration has remained strong thanks to decades of volunteer support.
“The people, the volunteers, myself included, have been volunteering for 20+ years,” Bowcock said. “Other people involved keep it running.”
She added that city support plays a key role in making the event possible, including staffing, supplies and road closures needed to safely host the parade and surrounding activities.
The day’s event will begin with a pancake breakfast hosted by Boy Scout Troop 411. The scouts will serve pancakes from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., with tickets sold for $8 per plate. Tickets will be available in advance and on the day of the event, with additional information posted on the city’s Fourth of July website.
Scoutmaster Marcia Townsend said Scouts, ages 10-17, play an active role in preparing and running the breakfast from setup to clean. She said participation in community events helps Scouts build skills beyond the organization itself.
“It’s nice for them to be visible and the community to see that there still are scouts around,” Townsend said. “[Scouts learn about] the community, citizenship, helping with an activity that is put on by the City, and just [learning] communication.”
After breakfast, the celebration continues with a pre-show motorcycle parade, followed by the main parade at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at the corner of D Street and Tenth Street and proceed through the city with participating groups and organizations.
Cultural Awareness and Social Inclusion (CASI) is a nonprofit organization with the goal of creating awareness among diverse groups in La Verne. This will be the organization's third year participating in the parade. They will ride on a decorated float with the theme “With Liberty and Justice for All.”
“It’s a celebration of our community,” said CASI Vice Chair Yvonne Gallegos. “It’s an honor to be participating in a long-standing tradition in La Verne.”
Gallegos said it is important for the organization's involvement with the parade to raise awareness of its mission.
“[We want to] let the community know that we are here,” Gallegos said. “To bring awareness to diversity within La Verne.”
The day will conclude with the City’s annual fireworks display beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $15 (if purchased by June 25) to $20 for General Admission, closing out a day of long-term traditions, community involvement and festivities across La Verne.
Get more information about La Verne's Fourth of July events
La Verne Daily News
