A Glimpse into Fourth of July Celebrations Past, Present, and Future in the San Diego Country Estates
SDCEA Recreation Manager Amy Holsapple-Lueck has played a key role in leading past Fourth of July celebrations at Ramona Oaks Park and continues to be involved in shaping future events.
Before the sizzle of the barbeque grills and the boom of fireworks echoes through the evening skies, the Fourth of July celebration in SDCE will have something special.
On July 4, families will line Pappas Road in the morning, setting out folding chairs and red, white, and blue blankets in anticipation of the SDCE parade. Starting at 10 am, local kids on decorated bikes, golf carts decked out with streamers, and a few horses from the equestrian centers and surrounding areas will walk down the street, cheered on by waving flags and friendly faces. The SDCEA Board of Directors and General Manager Carl Weise will be parading in decorated golf carts to show the community who represents our Association.
The parade is just the beginning. At the park, neighbors will gather for family-friendly activities. The ticket booth opens at the green tent at 9:30 am, followed by a schedule of events. The Ramona Oaks celebration will feature a variety of fun activities for kids, making it a great event for the whole family. The Black Canyon Band has performed at this event for the past 20 years and will return again this year, from noon to 3 pm, on the stage. The Oaks Grille and Outlaw BBQ will be providing food for purchase.
SDCEA hosted its first community Fourth of July celebration 40 years ago, and Holsapple-Lueck walked in the parade when she was in elementary school. Over the years, the celebration has evolved, adding more activities for the children and dance performances by the RJAD.
Holsapple-Lueck has been involved with organizing this event for 28 years. The planning process for the 4th of July celebration takes over six months. She says they have to get permits to use the street for the parade and the park for the celebration. “We are all hands-on deck with 20-30 staff members the day of,” says Holsapple-Lueck. The Recreation Team works hard to put on this event, but they aren’t the only department involved. The other SDCEA departments involved in this event include Food and Beverage, CRD, Maintenance, Open Space, and Administration.
This year’s Fourth of July Parade has around 40 entries so far, and the last day to sign up is July 1. The groups and organizations that commonly participate include the San Vicente Saddle Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, CalFire, Ramona Royalty, Rodeo Queens, SDCEA Lifeguard Team, local schools, sports teams, and community members with decorated golf carts. Local Ramona businesses also participate. “My family helps with park signs, set-up, and break down, and will also represent us in the parade,” Holsapple-Lueck adds.
The Fourth of July in the SDCE is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the simple joy of coming together. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time guest, the magic of Ramona Oaks Park on Independence Day is something you won’t forget. And with each passing year, the magic only grows.
