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

After the passing of Spaulding in 2004, Rich Holmer, General Store owners, Greg & Susan Sampson, and later Kyla Brooke & Roberto Esteves continued the tradition by reading the Declaration of Independence, adding the Kid’s Kazoo Chorus in 2006 and having the Hubbub Club lead the people’s promenade through town.

The tradition has continued to grow featuring an after-parade dance party in the old Firehouse Plaza since 2023. Below is a slide show compilation of some of the photos taken at the 2025 celebration. If you have other photos to contribute or need help scanning archival materials, please get in touch!