The MarDels to return to Fallbrook's July 4 event; patriotic festivities serve as fundraiser for local beautification efforts

Organizers of Fallbrook’s July 4 event have announced The MarDels will make a return visit to provide live music for the patriotic festivities sponsored by the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA) at the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens. The annual event is held as a fundraiser to provide money to enhance and maintain local beautification projects throughout the year.

“People really wanted us to bring back The MarDels; it’s because of popular demand,” said Mary Jo Bacik, FBA chair of the event. The MarDels is one of San Diego’s most well-known bands and performs hits from the 1950s through 1970s.

With music provided by a popular favorite, the family-friendly event is destined to be well-attended, since it will continue with the lower-cost format used last year. Admission prices are now $20/adult in advance ($25 at door); under age 12 free and attendees have the option of purchasing the food items they wish, rather than paying a higher ticket price that was inclusive of food items. The Fallbrook Beautification Alliance is appreciative, Bacik said, of the 150 to 175 volunteers who help make the event possible.

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. and will be comprised of the tried-and-true favorites as well as some new additions. The official opening ceremony featuring the Marines Corps Color Guard and singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Christa Noetzel will take place at 4:30 p.m. Serving as master of ceremonies will be John Culea, retired television news anchor.

Food choices will be plentiful and varied. According to Bacik, “The Valley Fort Steakhouse will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs on site; Estrella’s Mexican Food will be cooking street tacos; Trupiano’s Italian Bistro will offer pizza and a vegetarian pasta dish; and Kritter Cookers will be grilling barbecued ribs and serving pulled pork.” Requests from last year are being accommodated as well.

“We will have vegetarian items, fruit salad, garden salad, and more,” said Bacik. Sweets offered will include hot apple pie, brownies, and cookies; Fallbrook FroYo will offer frozen yogurt and Italian ice. In the children’s area, treats like snow cones, cotton candy, churros, popcorn, nachos, corndogs, and more will be available.

Bacik explained that beverages offered will include soft drinks, lemonade, and a selection of beer and wine including locally produced signature items from Casa Tiene Vista Vineyard, Fallbrook Brewery, and Fallbrook Winery.

Children’s activities will include a bounce house, slide, various games, music, and craft-making of patriotic-themed items. A parade featuring the children and their handcrafted items will take place at 6:45 p.m. and be led by Miss Fallbrook.

The silent auction at the event will have some very intriguing opportunities, including an autographed copy of the latest T. Jefferson Parker novel along with a private luncheon with the author at the Grand Tradition; a Park City, Utah condo stay; and plenty of unique art, jewelry, and fashion items.

The popular ‘Quack Up Cup’ rubber duck race will take place at 6:15 p.m. and the donation cost to sponsor a duck in the race remains at $5 each (with special prices by the flock). Prizes for the race are: first place, $300 gift certificate to Major Market; second place, $250 gift certificate to Myrtle Creek Nursery; and third place, $150 gift certificate to Crop Production Services (formerly L&M Fertilizer).

The MarDels will launch their performance at 7 p.m. and fireworks will begin as soon as it is adequately dark, usually close to 9 p.m.

“Pyro Spectaculars will be launching the fireworks again and they will be choreographed to music with the theme being ‘Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,’” said Bacik. “The theme honors our nation’s Independence Day and celebrates the bi-centennial of our National Anthem.”

Over its history, the July 4 event has continued to draw more and more multi-generational families since it provides an opportunity for a family to gather and celebrate the holiday in a beautiful location at a reasonable rate.

“We are seeing more and more three-generation families at the event; since it’s free for kids under 12, it’s very doable,” said Bacik, who is pleased the event has continued to prosper.

“For 10 years we have been able to provide a gift to the community in the form of a fireworks show that the whole town enjoys,” she said. “In addition to raising money that helps fund so many community services, it provides a day that multi-generations can enjoy.”

For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, visit http://www.fallbrookbeautification.org or visit the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce office at 111 S. Main Ave. VIP and table reservation options are available.

Attendees are welcomed and encouraged to bring hats, sunscreen, chairs, and blankets to the event. The following items cannot be brought into the event: food, beverages, umbrellas, or pets.