Old-fashioned parade, carnival planned for July 3 in Rancho Bernardo Community Park

With most Spirit of the Fourth festivities canceled for a second year, two other community groups are hosting a free July 3 event to help fill the void.

Those who want to join in the fun by being a parade entrant or hosting a carnival booth have until Friday, June 25 to sign up.

Due to the pandemic, Rancho Bernardo’s Spirit of the Fourth Committee announced only the community’s fireworks show will occur on Sunday, July 4 at Rancho Bernardo High. Gates open at 6 p.m. with musical entertainment before the 9 p.m. fireworks. Viewing will be from the Bernardo Heights Middle School field, with a suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family. Bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Free parking is in the Rancho Bernardo High School student lot, south of the stadium and accessible from Avenida Venusto. Overflow parking is along adjacent streets.

With the annual Spirit of the Fourth parade and community fair canceled for the second consecutive year because of the pandemic, the Rancho Bernardo Community Council and Rancho Bernardo Recreation Advisory Board have decided to co-host an “old-fashioned” Independence Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. The free event will be held in Rancho Bernardo Community Park, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive.

“We would never take anything away from the Spirit of the Fourth organization, but since they have decided to only do fireworks on July 4, we felt we needed to have something for the community,” said Robin Kaufman, president of both the council and advisory board.

“There is so much to celebrate this Independence Day — not only when Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, but the ability to go out in public and enjoy things again in a safe and fun atmosphere,” Kaufman said. “This will literally be the first in-person community-wide event in our RB since the pandemic.”

Kaufman said many of the community’s “old timers” remember early RB old-fashion celebrations by The Mercado that had families, sports teams and others parading around by riding bicycles, pulling wagons and walking.

“We want to bring that back this year over at the RB Community Park,” she said. “We’re also bringing back the feel of a hometown picnic with carnival games and food.”

The parade will start at 10 a.m. and conclude by 11 a.m., Kaufman said. It will take place along the road that winds through the park. Participants — who will start lining up at 9 a.m. — are welcome to walk, ride bicycles or scooters, pull wagons or drive golf carts. No vehicles or motorcycles permitted.

The free carnival will take place in the park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kaufman said activities will include carnival booth games, face painting and a bounce house. There will also be food trucks on site so attendees can purchase refreshments.

“Any group, family or business can also have their own carnival booth, be in the parade or both,” she said.

To participate in the parade, fill out the form at tinyurl.com/RB21parade. To host a carnival booth, fill out the form at tinyurl.com/RB21carnival. Those with questions can email Admin@RBCommunityCouncil.com.