Children's activities on tap for July 4th event

Fun and games for children are one of the vital components of this year’s Fourth of July celebration on the grounds of the Grand Tradition, sponsored by the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA). Children’s activities chairperson Claudia Morris says plans are well underway to provide some special opportunities for youth that will make them feel particularly involved in the patriotic celebration.

“We are going to have some craft projects that I think the kids will find really interesting,” said Morris. “Because it is the beautification alliance putting on the event, our theme this year is ‘Red, White, Blue and Green’ – encouraging kids to respect the environment and keep Fallbrook beautiful and green.”

Some of the activities offered to the children do carry a nominal cost, but all funds go to the beautification of Fallbrook through the non-profit FBA organization. Morris said one children’s activity will involve small pots the youth will be able to paint in vibrant colors. “We will have all the supplies on hand for them to plant their container with herbs or flowers, or place a candle inside it,” she explained.

Another activity center will feature opportunities for children to learn or demonstrate their expertise in beading. “They will have the opportunity to make Fourth of July-themed necklaces or bracelets with the beads,” said Morris. And the activities are always popular, she added.

“Last year the kids had a lot of fun,” said Morris. “Some of the kids stayed for hours in the activity centers. And that gives their parents a chance to relax and enjoy themselves as well.” Volunteers will be on hand to assist and supervise the children at the activity centers. Morris said helpers have come forward from National Charity League, the Fallbrook High School baseball program, and University of Arizona students who have returned home to Fallbrook for the summer.

There will be two slides provided at the event. A large slide will be able to accommodate children and adults alike, but a smaller one, complete with a ‘bounce house’ will be offered for tots one to three years old.

Children’s activities with no cost will include a water balloon toss and a dance contest, both organized by age groups.

“We will be giving away prizes to the winners of the water balloon tosses and the dance contests,” said Morris.

A souvenir booth will offer patriotic items for sale as well as the candy and juice beverages that are popular with youngsters.

All children’s activities will be offered from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Last year, close to 1,800 people enjoyed the Fourth of July festivities offered by the FBA on the grounds of the Grand Tradition.

Once again, a Rubber Regatta will be offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m. when teams of four compete against each other on a race across the heart-shaped lake for a cash grand prize. Families particularly enjoy the fun ‘Quack-Up Cup’ rubber ducky race, which allows individuals to sponsor the bright yellow ducks in the race. The winners lay claim to some nice-sized gift certificates from local merchants.

With a ticket to the event, adults and children receive tickets they can exchange for a variety of food and beverages offered. Live music will be provided by The Corvettes and a grand fireworks show is presented at the end of the evening.

The event is planned and worked by the volunteers of the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance as the sole annual fundraiser for the many worthy projects they have underway along the main thoroughfares of the community.

Doors open to the event at 4 p.m. and it concludes after the fireworks show at approximately 9:30 p.m.

For ticket prices and more information on any of the above events, see the FBA’s website at http://www.fallbrookbeautification.org.

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