July 13, 2007

(left to right) Madison, Jenna, and Conner Pfaff are shown here portraying the children who are tutored by their grandmother, Jeanne Broenen, who is portraying Maria in "The Sound of Music." The group was all smiles prior to the Villages 4th of July parade, holding bags of candy to give to children on the parade route. Photo by Thom Harney

It’s a celebration!

Villagers celebrate 4th of Julywith annual parade

It was a sight to behold for all in attendance as the Villages Golf and Country Club celebrated Independence Day with its annual 4th of July parade, featuring several 1960s-inspired floats and golf carts, as well as an ample supply of classic cars for all to admire while winding down Cribari Lane. The 1960s theme was appropriate, as the Villages is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, leading to colorful parade entries, including a “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” Beach Boys themed float, featuring Majorie Foskett, mother of current Beach Boys lead guitarist Jeffrey Foskett, an entry inspired by “The Sound of Music”, as well as the Smith Family’s entry, “Forty Ears.”

The day of fun also included a performance by the Villages Handbells group at the Cribari Center.

(Left to right) Nadine Tubbs, Art Walton, and Fred Mollerus prepare to give their Villages Handbells performance at the Cribari Center as part of the Villages 4th of July celebration. Photo by Thom Harney (Left to right) Villages Amateur Theatre members Kathy Thompson, Jeanne Broenen (Maria), and Thom Harney (Baron von Trapp) strike a pose as they prepare to walk the one-mile July 4th parade route portraying "Musicals of the 60's." Photo by Marilyn Craig

Classic cars were on display for the family-oriented crowd lining the road during the Villages annual 4th of July parade. Photo by Bill Bellou The Villages Arts and Crafts Club “Villages Boutique” entry winds its way down the road as part of the Villages annual 4th of July parade. Photo by Bill Bellou Classic cars were also on display for the family-oriented crowd lining the road during the Villages annual 4th of July parade. Photo by Bill Bellou