Fourth of July

Photo: Villa Grande Town Square, Wyman & Betty Spalding in foreground, July 4, 1996. Credit: Gerry Gropp.

The earliest known record of the 4th of July parade tradition in Villa Grande is a sketch on blueprint paper done in 1905. For years the community created its own Independence Day celebration, which faded out during the World War II years. Wyman Spalding (of the Spalding sporting goods family) and his wife Betty began the reenactment of the 4th of July in 1982. Spalding, dressed up in Revolutionary garb, would lead a parade of folks around town and shoot off a small cannon in the Preserve. 

Photo: Wyman Spalding and the brass cannon, Villa Grande, July 4, 1996. Credit: Gerry Gropp

Building on tradition

After the passing of Spaulding in 2004, Rich Holmer, Greg & Susan Sampson, Kyla Brooke, and Roberto Esteves expanded the tradition. The celebration now includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by the Kid’s Kazoo Chorus, the people’s promenade through town led by the Hubbub Club, and an evening dance party in the old Firehouse Plaza.

Below are a gallery of photos from 2026 and a slide show compilation of photos from the 2025 celebration. If you have other photos of past Fourth activities to contribute or need help scanning archival materials, please let us know by emailing friends@villagrande.org!

2026