The streets of Solvang were filled to overflowing with people from near and far anxious to take part in the 29th annual 4th of July Independence Day parade whose theme was “Life, Liberty, and Love.” The day was hot, but that did not deter the exuberant crowd from cheering the 75 entries that took part in this year’s parade.

The parade started promptly at 11 a.m. with Alan Satchwell playing the national anthem on his trumpet. The parade itself lasted for almost two hours as Master of Ceremonies Allan Jones, dressed as Uncle Sam, kept things flowing smoothly. 

Leading it off was the Color Guard from the American Legion Post #160. They were followed by Andrew Wedel, Captain of Fire Station 30, The American Legion Flag Car, and the Solvang Rotary. This year’s Grand Marshal was World War II hero Jim Kunkle, who rode in a Jeep from the Flat Fender Friends. The Lucky Clover 4-H entry held 20 people waving to the crowds as they passed by, followed by a horse trolley containing members of the Solvang Senior Center. 

Members of the VSFB Jets Gymnastics Team, cheerleaders from the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School, and members of the SYHS football team, both varsity and junior varsity were out in full force. The Santa Ynez Valley Woman of the Year, Judy Canby, was seated in in a Camaro convertible, while newly named Danish Maid Kaeley Reid rode in a 1958 Ford Fairlane Skyliner. Twenty Capuchin-Franciscan monks were next, walking with the San Lorenzo Seminary float followed by members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Representatives were in attendance from local schools, churches, businesses, senior groups, dignitaries, and dance studios, such as the Garcia Dance Studio, which had 60 of its colorfully dressed members dancing through the streets. There were equestrians from local riding groups on horseback, skateboarders doing jumping tricks, Charros of Santa Ynez riding their beautiful dancing horses, marching bands, drum lines and brass sections, rows of antique cars, Corvettes, Jeeps, and vintage automobiles, all of which made for a colorful and patriotic parade. Candy was tossed from the floats to the children watching the parade, Veggie Rescue passed out bags of mini carrots, and float participants doused the spectators with water from Super Soakers. There was only one slight mishap when a man riding a motorized bicycle miscalculated and landed, unharmed, on the ground. 

The Rotary Club of Solvang, who sponsors the annual event, listed this year’s entry winners in numerous categories as follows:

The Sweepstakes winner this year was the Garcia Dance Studio; Best Use of Parade Theme: Flat Fender Friends; Most Patriotic: Sons of the American Revolution; Most Original: The New Generation Cowgirls; Most Amusing: Alisal Ranch, CJ Jackson; Most Unique: Solvang Skate Shop; Most Creative: Growing Minds Farm Education; Best Band: Salinas Charreria Western Wear; Best Singing Group: Flannel 101, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.; Best Family Group: California Tacos; Best Church Group: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Best Senior Group: Atterdag Village; Best Animal Group: Rancho Los Pinos #1; Best Wagon Group: Berman and Imani Families; Best Wagon, Single: Ramon Becerra; Best Automobile Group: Vapor Trail Vettes; Best Automobile, Single: Dan Hoagland’s 1958 Ford Fairlane “Skyliner”; Best Automobile, Restored: Chevelle, driving Buellton Mayor Dave King; Best Automobile, Antique: The Hall family in Grandpa’s 1950 Ford Pickup; Best Automobile Antique Group: Santa Maria Model A’sFord Group; Best Fire Engine: Somerset Farm; Best Equestrian Group: Cuadras Unidas del Valle de Lompoc; Best Equestrian, Single: Red Bronco, Jim Vreeland Ford; Best Viking Ship: Vikings of Solvang; Best Color Guard: American Legion Post #160; Best Street Sweeper: SP Maintenance Services; Best Sport Group: SYHS varsity and JV football teams; Best Military Group: Grand Marshal Jim Kunkle and family; Best Walking Group: Friends of the Library; Best Dancing Group: Gymnastics North Lompoc; Most Energetic: Veggie Rescue; Best Group for a Cause: SYV Humane Society and DAWG; Best School Group: Santa Ynez High Cheerleaders; Best Youth Group: Lucky Clover 4-H; Best Audience Participation: Nielsen Building Materials; Best Dog: Driving Miss Daisy; Best Candy Thrower: Bethania Lutheran Church; Best Train: Somerset Farm; and Best Trumpeter: Alan Satchwell.

“Thank you to Chair Steve Palmer, Solvang Rotarians, Lt. [Mark] Valencia of Solvang Sheriff’s Office, and Candice Libera and staff at the City of Solvang for their efforts in making this another memorable event,” said Jones.

“All I can say is ‘Happy Birthday, America,’ the greatest country in the world,” said Bob Brown, a visitor from Los Angeles waving a flag. 

The celebrating was far from over after the parade, as crowds moved over to Mission Santa Ines for the 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Show, presented by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club, that lasted from 12 p.m. through the fireworks show that started a little after 9 p.m.

Before sundown, the front lawn of the mission was packed with various food trucks and vendors, kids rides and activities, and a stage for live musical entertainment featuring the acts Paradise Kings, We Are Not Horses, and DJ Peete. On the grassy bluff east of the entrance, folks were staking out good spots for the nighttime show.

The event drew it’s typical huge crowd to the mission.

“I figure we’re drawing about 5,000 to 6,000 for this event,” said Scott Evans, SYV Rotary Club member and event coordinator. “I believe this is one of the biggest fireworks shows in the area, and we do it because we have the people who are willing to help out and put this on.”

Rotary Club member and former District Governor Deepa Willingham pointed out that the 4th of July Celebration is a big fundraiser for the organization.

“The money we make goes back into the Valley, particularly for our high school students to expose them to the cultures of other countries,” she said.

As nightfall hit, the fireworks, prepared and shot off by Keif Adler, were getting set. SYV Rotary Club President Scott Jones thanked the crowd for coming. After that, Hendrix Farriss and Cooper Haws led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Georgey Taupin sang the national anthem, before the fireworks show commenced, putting a capper on another 4th of July holiday.

Mike Chaldu contributed to this story

The post Solvang’s 4th of July Parade filled with ‘Life, Liberty, and Love’ appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Dennis Beebe

Special to the Santa Ynez Valley Star

Solvang Rotary President Valerie Kissell recently announced that Jim Kunkle of Solvang will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Fourth of July Parade in Solvang

Eighty years ago, Kunkle, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces, was patrolling the skies in his “Lightning,” a Lockheed P-38 fighter, above the D-Day invasion fleet. His mission: Protect the fleet from attack from the dreaded German Air Force (Luftwaffe). While attending the 80th D-Day anniversary in Normandy last month, Jim expressed his disappointment that the Luftwaffe did not appear that day. Not to worry; there would be plenty of action ahead.  

His 9th Air Force fighter unit was one of first to begin operations from Normandy, from a hastily constructed airstrip just a few miles from Omaha Beach. Using bombs and a formidable array of machine guns and a cannon in the nose of the P-38s, his unit concentrated on ground attack of German armor, troops, trains, and anything that moved on the French highways. He was called upon numerous times to perform dangerous ground attack missions in the vicinity of Allied troops under German attack. As the Allied ground forces moved eastward, Kunkle’s unit moved with them, launching operations from multiple airfields in France. 

Kunkle’s combat career suddenly ended on Sept. 16, 1944. On that date, while flying as rear man in his squadron, Kunkle noticed that his squadron was about to be surprised by a vastly superior force of enemy aircraft. Unable to summon his leader on the radio, he alone pulled away from his formation and attacked the enemy, immediately destroying one of his aircraft. But he had placed himself in a vulnerable position to be attacked from the rear and above. Many hits were registered on his aircraft, which caught fire, burning his face, neck, and hands. Despite his burning plane and gunfire from enemy planes, Kunkle continued his attack and succeeded in destroying a second enemy aircraft before his left fuel tank exploded and he was forced to parachute to safety.

For his heroic service in the skies over Europe, Kunkle was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Legion of Honor, and the Purple Heart.

After departing the U.S. Air Force in 1948, Kunkle continued his aviation career. He established and operated fixed base operations to support general aviation operations throughout California, the most recent at the Santa Maria Airport. Kunkle continues to fly his own airplane at the ripe old age of 101 but is barred from flying solo by his wife, Ruth. He owns three aircraft and keeps them flight-ready in his hangar at the Santa Ynez Airport. In recognition of his active participation and leadership of three generations of the Kunkle family in local aviation, the Santa Ynez Airport is now named Kunkle Field and it sports a silhouette of a P-38 on its logo.

Kunkle was the featured celebrity at the recent Santa Ynez Airport Day. He held court for his admirers, young and old, under the wing of a restored P-38, flown in for the occasion by a pilot from Planes of Fame in Chino, California. More than once during the day, he glanced lovingly at the access ladder to the cockpit and the clear skies above. At the end of the day, he and his family gathered to wave as the P-38 took off.

Fourth of July Parade starts at 11 a.m.

The Solvang Rotary’s annual Fourth of July Parade starts at 11 a.m., and marks the beginning of the Independence Day celebrations. In the parade you will enjoy numerous participants, including classic cars, lively horse troupes, dance groups, high school marching band, creatively designed floats from local businesses, and more! The parade route winds through the town, covering the majority of Solvang’s main streets. Following the parade you can enjoy a barbecue in Solvang Park.

Santa Ynez Valley Fourth of July Celebration at Mission Santa Ines

The Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club will present the annual Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Show at Old Mission Santa Inès in Solvang on Thursday, July 4. 

The festival is an all day event from 12 to 10 p.m., starts right after the parade, and is considered one of the best on the Central Coast. Over 50 merchant and food vendors are on site, with a great selection of food options, with live entertainment all day, including DJ Peete. We also have a large kids area with bounce houses, small mechanical rides, carnival games, and face painters! The Fireworks Show will begin promptly at 9 p.m. and we suggest that you arrive early this year as we expect record attendance.

The gates open at 12 p.m., admission is $15, and kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Active military with ID will receive up to four complimentary passes. Any additional tickets must be purchased. All active military must show IDs at the entrance.

The post World War II hero Jim Kunkle to serve as Grand Marshal of Solvang’s Fourth of July Parade appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

4

Fourth of July events — Parade begins at Mission Santa Ines at 11 a.m.; noon-2 p.m. barbecue and T-Bone Ramblers performance in Solvang Park. Festival begins at 2 p.m.; fireworks after dark.

5

Cloud 10 Day Camp with Buellton Rec Center-5th through 7^th. Cloud 10 Jump Club, 187 S Turnpike Rd, Santa Barbara. $60-170. Visit www.buelltonrec.com.

Shawn McMaster, Magician-10:30 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

PGA Junior Golf League hosted by Olde School Golf School-3:30 p.m. Zaca Creek Golf Course, 223 Shadow Mountain Dr., Buellton. For more information contact 698-6224.

6

Maker Workshop: A Book is a Place-4 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

7

Mommy and Me Yoga with Buellton Rec Center-Friday’s July 7th through August 11th. 10:30 a.m. $60/session. Visit www.buelltonrec.com.

Surf Camp with Buellton Rec-July 7th through 9th and 17th through 21st. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages 11-15. Visit www.buelltonrec.com.

Movies in the Park “Zootopia”-7:30 p.m. Solvang Park, at the corner of Mission Dr. and First St. Free. Hot chocolate and popcorn available for purchase.

8

Movie Screening “Pete’s Dragon”-Dusk. Kalyra, 343 N. Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez. Free. Food truck, popcorn and wine for sale.

Chuck Cannon Performance-7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St, Buellton. $12 standing room, $17 for reserved seating. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

9

Bocce Tournament by the Santa Ynez Valley Bocce Foundation-Flying Flags RV Resort, 180 Ave Of The Flags, Buellton. Net proceeds benefit the SYV Bocce Foundation, a non profit organization promoting the sport for all ages. $1,500 Grand Prize. $300 entry fee (team of 4). Register by July 7th. Visit www.syvbocce.com.

10

Robotics Summer Camp-10th through 14th. 1-5 p.m. Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum, 705 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Mentors from Orcutt Academy’s Spartatroniks Robotics Team will teach campers to program FIRST LEGO League robots for a “Battle of the Bots” competition at the end of the camp. Ages 8-14. $100/member or $150/non-member. To register visit www.smvdiscoverymuseum.org.

Super Hero Camp with Solvang Parks and Rec-July 10th and 11th. 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. $40 registration fee. Visit www.cityofsolvang.com.

Roller Skating Day Camp with Buellton Rec Center-10th through 14th. Visit www.buelltonrec.com.

11

Todd Rogers Sand Volleyball-Tuesday’s and Thursday’s 8:30-10 a.m. Ages 6-10. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Ages 11-14. $150/session. Join Olympic Gold champion Todd Rodgers at Sunny Beach. To register call 688-7529.

Youth Art Class Series with Gypsy Studios-Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 1-3 p.m. 597 Ave of the Flags, Ste 103, Buellton. This six-session class is intended for students ages 10-15 years old. This class will equip them with basic techniques and fundamentals of composition, perspective and color theory. Beginner to Intermediate painter’s welcome. $160. Supply kit purchase required.  Register at  www.gypsystudioart.com.

12

Musician Nathalia!-12 p.m. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton. Free.

Santa Barbara County Fair-12th through 16th. Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 South Thornburg St., Santa Maria. For pricing and a full list of events visit www.santamariafairpark.com.

Stand Up! Sit Down! Freemotion Quilting Education Open House-Free. 4 p.m. Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 CA-246, Buellton. Join this open house and experience what it feels like to use a stand up or sit down quilting machine. You will also learn about the classes and events offered. Visit www.thecreationstation.com.

13

Adult Bocce with Buellton Parks and Rec-Thursday’s through August 24th beginning at 5:45 or 7 p.m. Alisal River Course, 150 Alisal Rd, Solvang. Teams of 6-12 people. $250/team. Register at www.buelltonrec.com.

14

Grand Opening of “The Landing” by Gypsy Studios-5:30-7 p.m. 597 Ave of the Flags, Ste 103, Buellton. Ribbon Cutting and open house. Enjoy appetizers and bubbly as you learn more about what art classes will be offered. For more information visit www.gypsystudioart.com.

Movie in the Park “Goosebumps”-7:30 p.m. Oak Park. Free. Popcorn and Hot Coco available for purchase.

15

Color Fun Run-9:15 a.m. Registration. 10 a.m. Color Run begins. $25 adult registration fee. $10 children. 636 Atterdag Rd., Solvang. Run to raise awareness of Atterdag at Home, an outreach program that helps home bound seniors stay connected to the community. For more information call Sammy at 688-3263.

Movie Afternoon “The Lego Batman Movie”-2 p.m. Buellton Library, 140 CA-246, Buellton.

16

Uncle Lucious Performance-7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St, Buellton. $12 standing room, $17 for reserved seating. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

17

Water Slides Day Camp with Buellton Rec Center-17th through 21st. Lopez Lake Recreation Area. Visit www.buelltonrec.com.

Martial Arts Sports Camp with Solvang Parks and Rec-July 17th through 20th. Visit www.cityofsolvang.com.

Make it & Take it On the Longarm Frame- 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. On the Frame Instructor: Kelly Ashton & Creation Station Staff. $110. Visit www.thecreationstation.com.

Every Day

Cachuma Lake Recreation – Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks.

Zaca Creek Golf Course – Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. Call 691-9272.

Every Monday

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Adult Coloring – 2nd and 4th Monday every month at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Senior Issues-2nd and 4th Monday every month at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Weight Room-6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m. Buellton Rec Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton. $3. Call 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting-9 a.m.; Computer class 9:30 a.m.; Bridge and Poker 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Preschool Storytime-11:15 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Country 2 Step Dance Lessons-6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.com.

Every Wednesday

Music Under the Stars-6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. The longest running live music event in the valley is taking place once again. Performances will be held every Wednesday through September 13th. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

Adult Dance West Coast Swing Basics-7 p.m. Solvang Vets Hall. Free.

Solvang Summer Concert Series-5-8 p.m. Occurring through August 16th. Solvang Park, between First St. and Mission Dr. The Series features musicians and bands of varied genres playing to crowds of both locals and tourists, who are invited to picnic in the Park during the family-friendly, evening concert events. Free. Food and drink available for purchase.

Solvang Farmers Market-2:30-6:30 p.m. Between Mission Dr. and Copenhagen Dr., Solvang.

Yoga-9:15 a.m.; Bingo at 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Knit and Crochet-1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Wiggly Storytime-10:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Every Thursday

Line Dance Lessons-6:30 p.m. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez. Visit www.mavericksaloon.org.

Arthritis Class- 10:15 a.m.; Poker at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Chair Excercises-10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors-3:30 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Every Friday

Pilates – 10:00 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Bingo – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Live music – 5 to 7 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Firkin Friday at Figueroa Mountain Brew – 5-10 p.m. at the Buellton and Los Olivos Figueroa Mountain Brewery locations. For more information visit www.figmtnbrew.com.

Every Saturday

Live Music Under the Stars-Mad and Vin Courtyard at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., Solvang. Enjoy live entertainment every Saturday evening in the newly renovated courtyard. Bar menu eats and drinks available during the event. For more information call 688-3121.

Guided Nature Walk-10:00-11:30 a.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. All Ages. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

Junior Rangers-12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. Geared towards children ages 3 and up. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

“Going Batty”-Meet at Dusk. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. Talk and living exhibit of local bats. Watch them as they come out to feed. Seasonal event ending in September. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

“New Music” Concerts-3:30-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Crooked Path, 2885 Grand Ave. Listen to indie singer/songwriter Bent Myggen and his fellow musicians play his original Americana in a beautiful shaded garden.

Every Week

Crafting-Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 12-5:30 p.m. Buellton  Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

Coming Up – log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports, youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions and more!

The post July 4-17 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Susan Klein-Rothschild for Santa Barbara County Public Health

The Santa Barbara County Animal Services Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday and reminds pet owners that many domestic animals are frightened by fireworks.

Each year, hundreds of animals are lost as a result of noise related to Independence Day celebrations. Animal Services wants to remind pet owners to take precautions prior to the festivities to ensure a happy and safe celebration for all.

– Make sure your dog is wearing a current license tag and update microchip information. A license tag is your dog’s ticket home. Animal Services will be quickly reuniting lost animals with their family if the animal is wearing a license or ​microchipped and your information is up to date. If your animal is not wearing a tag, you can pick one up from your local Santa Barbara County Animal Services Shelter for no charge before July 3. Remember to tag your cat, too.

– Keep them inside. Bring indoor/outdoor cats and dogs inside. Set up a nice quiet spot in a windowless room, if possible, or keep them in a carrier or kennel. Even if you think your yard is secure, a frightened dog will find a way to escape and a tied up dog may strangle itself trying to get away.

– Leave the TV or radio on to distract them; soothing noise may help keep pets calm.

– Walk Fido before the fireworks start. Tiring out your dog with a nice long walk or game of fetch can help them relax and stay calm through the noise.

– Do not bring your pet to a fireworks display. For their safety and the safety of others, please leave your pet(s) at home.

– If your dog or cat is especially noise sensitive, consider having someone stay home with them, boarding them, or discuss sedatives with your veterinarian.

– Keep your dog crated, to ensure they stay safe and home. Provide them with activities, like Kongs, to pass the time and leave a radio on low. You can even cover the crate to provide more security. If you do not have a crate, you may borrow one from the Santa Maria Animal Center or La PAWS Adoption Center by providing a copy of your photo ID

If after taking all precautions your cat or dog runs away, visit your local County Animal Services Shelter in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria or Lompoc.

All three County Animal Services shelters will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, and will resume normal business hours at 9 a.m. on July 5.

If your dog or cat is not at the shelter, be persistent and keep checking back; it may take several days for them to arrive. To help locate your pet we suggest posting flyers in your neighborhood with a current photo of your pet and a phone number where you can be reached, using social media, and placing a lost pet advertisement in the local paper.

For more information contact your local shelter:

La PAWS Adoption Center at 1501 West Central Avenue, Lompoc, 805.737.7755.

Santa Maria Animal Center at 548 W. Foster Road, 805.934.6119.

Santa Barbara Shelter at 5473 Overpass Road, Goleta, 805.681.5285.

The post Have a Pet Safe Fourth of July: Animal Services Giving Away Free Tags to Help Reunite Lost Pets appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

SYV Star Staff Report

Both residents and tourists love the one night each year when the lights go down and they gather with friends and family to look to the sky and exclaim as the annual Fourth of July festivities climax with a community fireworks show.

The festivities, also including a parade, barbecues and parties, are sponsored each year by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club, Solvang Rotary Club and many businesses and citizens that contribute and volunteer to keep the celebration fun and safe.

This year the Fourth of July falls on a Tuesday, and the first event is the parade that begins at 11 a.m. With a theme of “American Heroes,” I will be led by World War II veteran Grand Marshal Jim Kunkle, who will be profiled in our next issue.

First up is a free concert by Valley Wind Ensemble at 10 a.m. in the Solvang Park Gazebo

As usual, the parade starts at Mission Santa Ines, goes west on Highway 246 (Mission Drive), south on Fifth Street and east down Copenhagen Drive to Alisal Road and back to the mission. Those who wish to be in the parade can log onto www.solvangrotary.com and download the entry form.

The celebration continues with the festival and fireworks show at the mission. Admission is $10, free for kids 7 and under. Active-duty military members and their immediate family members are also admitted free with ID.

There will be many food booths, game booths, a beer and wine garden, and kids’ activities including bouncy castles, slides and face painting. Live entertainment starts at 5 p.m. with five of the “Teen Star” contest winners. The fireworks begin at 9 p.m., sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary. Tickets are available in advance at www.SantaYnezValleyRotary.org.

The post Fourth of July parade to celebrate American heroes appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Crowds were very animated cheering for all the parade floats and participants during the annual Fourth of July parade in Solvang, sponsored by the Solvang Rotary Club. A few thousand people from all around as far away as China came to watch the small town parade celebrating America’s Independence Day. There were 675 participants in 73 entries. The judges were Jason Stiff, Meteorologist, for KCOY TV 12; Ken Harwood, Chamber of Commerce Economist and retired college professor; Elizabeth Jensen, retired Solvang store owner and board member of the Elverhoj Museum; and Allan Jones,

Below the photo gallery is the list of winners from yesterday’s parade.

The festivities continued into the evening with the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club sponsoring the booths and concerts at Old Mission Santa Ines as well as the firework show! All the proceeds benefit local charities and organizations that help people in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Sweepstakes  –  Reel Cowboys

Best Use of Parade Theme – Flat Fender Friends

Most Patriotic – Daughters of the American Revolution Santa Ynez and Lompoc chapters

Most Original – Operation Christmas Child

Most Amusing – Lompoc Shrine Club

Most Unique –  Donut Time

Most Creative – All Sports Fitness

Best Band –  Charros de Santa Ynez

Best Singing Group – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co with Davy Brown and the Pale Ales!

Best Singing – Single – Libby Padfield – National Anthem

Best Family Group – Rancho Ruvalcaba y Familia

Best Church Group – SYV Presbyterian Church

Best Senior Group – Solvang Senior Center

Best Animal Group – Old Yeller Ranch Rescue

Best Wagon Group – Willow Creek Ranch Friends & Family

Best Wagon – Single – Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538

Best Automobile Group – Vaper Trail Vettes

Best Automobile – Single – Bobby Bruhn’s 1954 Corvette, Rick Torres State Farm Ins.

Best Automobile – Restored – Dan Hoagland’s 1958 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop

Best Automobile – Antique  –  Floyd Keinath’s Model A Coupe

Best Automobile Antique Group – Model A Clubs of SYV & Santa Maria

Best Fire Engine –  Engine 30 Solvang Fire Dept.

Best Tractor –  Howard Marion’s 1950 John Deere

Best Equestrian Group – Hernandez Friesians

Best Equestrian – Single – Charros Los Caporales

Best Viking Ship – Vikings of Solvang

Best Cub Scout Troop Pack – Boy Scout Troop Pack 41

Best Color Guard – American Legion Post #160

Road Apple Crew – Lucky Clover 4-Hers Grace Morell, Tessa Haws, Valentina del Solar

Best Clown – Lompoc Shrine Club

Best Sport Group –  SYVUHS Boys Water Polo Team

Best Military Group –  American Legion Riders Dist 16

Best Walking Group –  Friends of the Library of the SYV

Best Dancing Group –  Garcia Dance Studio

Most Energetic – Figueroa Mtn Brewing Co.

Best Group for a Cause – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

Best School Group –  SYVUHS Robotics Club Mecha Pirates

Best Youth Group –  Lucky Clover 4-H

Best Audience Participation – Veggie Rescue

The post Fourth of July Parade celebrates “Life and Liberty in the Valley” appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.