Saratoga News
News
Saratogans observe Fourth of July with an old-fashioned celebration
By Shannon Burkey
Looking for something a little more patriotic than the average barbecue for the Fourth of July? Look no further than the fifth annual Saratoga July Fourth Observance that will take place in Azule Park from 10:15 a.m. to noon.
The event, organized by Saratoga resident Jack Mallory and some of his friends and neighbors, is the only Fourth of July celebration taking place in the city and will have festivities for the whole family to enjoy.
"I think it's important to bring the people in the community together. I had a vision of what I wanted to do--have a patriotic thing for people in the morning before they went off to their barbecues," Mallory said.
Last year, between 600 and 700 people showed up for the event, and Mallory said he is expecting at least the same number this year.
"People seem to like it and keep returning year after year," he said.
Saratoga resident and World War II fighter pilot George Cooper, along with the U.S. Navy Color Guard from Monterey, will kick off the celebration with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Saratoga City Councilman Chuck Page, who will give a speech on Saratoga's connection to the Revolutionary War, will follow Cooper.
"The name Saratoga comes from Saratoga Springs in New York," Mallory said. "And that's where the most important battle of the Revolutionary War was fought."
The celebration will also include the singing of patriotic songs, a hand-bell performance to Revolutionary War music and a performance by the McCartysville Band, a local band made up of about 25 volunteers from the Saratoga Community Band, Saratoga Federated Church and Saratoga Elementary School. The Silicon Valley Chinese Chorus and the Silicon Valley Japanese Chorus will round out the performances.
"I feel a real good way to involve the whole community is by involving different groups," Mallory said. "I want to show unity and this is the way to do it."
Mallory also plans to call out the names of all Saratoga veterans from the various wars, as well as any Saratoga residents actively serving or in the reserves.
"We want people to notify us of any veterans or current military personnel coming so that we can recognize them," Mallory said. "We also want to encourage them to come in uniform and for everyone else to come dressed patriotic."
After the performances and speeches, a family parade around the park will take place. Children, adults and even pets will be asked to join the parade, and all are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.
Prizes, ice cream and flags will be handed out to the children participating.
The event is free to the public, but Mallory and his fellow organizers are asking for a $1 donation per person, which they plan on donating to Operation Care and Comfort, a Red Cross program that sends care packages to soldiers.
To participate, volunteer, donate or to notify organizers of Saratoga veterans or military personnel, contact Jack Mallory at Mallory58@aol.com.
