Independence Day festivities had taken place at Montalvo in previous years, but a lack of volunteers forced celebrations to be cancelled. Instead, an observance will be held at the new Azule Park, where Mallory and a group of neighbors will be holding a bell-ringing ceremony and leading a parade around the park.

For the past several weeks, Mallory has been busy making flyers and planning out the events. So far, he's distributed approximately 100 notices to people at the park and to neighbors near Blue Hills Elementary School on Goleta and DeSanka avenues.

"Plans are coming together very nicely," said Mallory. "It looks like there will be a decent turnout. People seem interested in coming."

Helen Shaw will be one of the volunteers who will be passing out ice cream bars to the first 75 children attending the event. Although many residents may not know Shaw personally, they may know her work as a flag giver. In previous years, she placed American flags on the streets in front of some 3,000 homes.

During the celebration, visitors can take part in the Pledge of Allegiance and in singing patriotic songs, including "America the Beautiful" and the national anthem, led by Tom Zimmerman, a well-known Saratogan who has been singing at special events for the past 50 years.

At 11 a.m., Mallory will be ringing his 50-pound school bell, a tradition that was initiated by Congress in 1963 and is followed throughout the nation.

"The bell-ringing ceremony honors the sacrifices made by our forefathers during the war for independence and for our men and women who are active in the defense of our country," said Mallory.

The 65-year-old resident said he hopes to see many adults and children wearing patriotic colors at the celebration.

"It's important for kids to know what this holiday is about," said Mallory. "This holiday is a celebration of winning our nation's freedom and not just a day to relax."

The celebration is scheduled to begin at 10:40 a.m. For more information or to volunteer, contact Mallory at 408.252.7447.