Volunteers that power the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA) met May 14 to finalize plans for the popular 4th of July celebration they have organized for the past few years at the Grand Tradition. Not only does the family-oriented event feature food, live entertainment, children’s activities, and an evening fireworks show, it is the sole annual fundraiser for the FBA, an organization that works diligently throughout the year to beautify the Fallbrook area.

"This year, the event will be really spectacular," said FBA president Jerri Patchett. "Everything is coming together and it will be a wonderful way for families to enjoy the day." This year’s event will be held Sunday, July 4 from 4 to 9:30 p.m.

Last year, close to 1800 people enjoyed the festivities that for an admission fee include a number of tickets to use for food purchases with options such as a complete barbecue dinner, hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, pies, cookies, pizza, beverages, and more.

The Corvettes, a band known for playing the hits of the 60s and 70s, is being brought back for the 2010 event by popular demand.

"They play the songs that everybody knows the words to," said Mary Jo Bacik, event publicity chairperson.

With the benefit of a professional sound system, the music will provide ample opportunity for those of all ages who like to dance.

"Everyone enjoyed the dancing so much last year; we wanted to make sure there was plenty of time and opportunity allotted for that this year," said Patchett. The event will also feature a silent auction and a special salute to the military.

According to the FBA, the children’s activities will be fun and interesting again this year. Crafts, games, and face painting, are all on the schedule and organizers say parents can expect to see a "green" focus in activities as the beautification alliance encourages youth to respect the environment.

Two water-related activities will take place on the heart-shaped lake at the Grand Tradition that day – the Rubber Regatta and the ‘Quack-Up Cup’ Race.

The Rubber Regatta will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and involve four-person raft teams competing against each other as they race across the lake. As this is expected to be more popular than last year, the FBA recommends early signups. The entry fee per team is $250.

"More people are interested this year after seeing how much fun it was last year," said Don McDougal, FBA member, explaining that the popularity of the event has led to the purchase of an additional raft for use. "Last year we had eight teams, but this year we can handle up to 20 teams."

The team that wins the Rubber Regatta will be awarded half the total entry Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] fees collected for the regatta. So, if eight teams participate, the cash prize awarded to the team would be $1,000. If sixteen teams or more are fielded, the prize will be capped at $2,000.

For those who don’t wish to actually be on top of the lake, but like an element of competition, the ‘Quack-Up Cup,’ which features dozens of little rubber ducks being launched across the lake, would be an excellent choice.

The first three rubber ducks that reach the opposite lake shore win big prizes for those who sponsored them and there is not a requirement to be present to win. The first place prize is a $1,000 savings bond from First National Bank of So. Calif.; the second place prize is a $500 Major Market gift certificate; and the third place price is a $250 gift certificate to Myrtle Creek Nursery.

Rubber ducks can be sponsored for $5 each; a flock of six for $25; or a grand pack of 25 for $100. Duck sponsorships can be arranged ahead of time or paid for at the event. The actual race atop the lake will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show after 8:30 p.m. Pyrospectaculars will once again provide the colorful aerial display.

Tickets to the July 4 event are $25 each if purchased in advance; $35 at the door. Adult ticket includes 10 food/beverage tickets. Tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $10 each and include five food/beverage tickets. No tickets will be sold this year for fireworks only. The gates to the Grand Tradition will be locked at 8 p.m. prior to the pyrotechnic show.

Parking at and near the Grand Tradition will be available for $5 for cars and trucks and $25 for motor homes.

Participants are welcome to bring blankets, chairs for lawn seating, sunscreen and hats but are not allowed to bring food, drinks, umbrellas and pets onto the grounds.

FBA volunteers said they look forward to providing the event this year and appreciate the community members who support it.

"The best way to support beautification of our town is to attend this family event, because it is our one and only fundraiser of the year." said Patchett.

While attending the event in person allows individuals and families to enjoy all aspects of the festivities, it is no secret the fireworks show is enjoyed by many more in the community due to the height it reaches in the sky. Organizers said they hope those that cannot attend the event in person, but enjoy the fireworks show or wish to help with the beautification effort will make a donation to the effort.

For more information, visit www.fallbrookbeautification.org.