July 14, 2006

The Villages celebrates 4th of July in Hollywood fashion

The Villages in Evergreen celebrated our nation’s independence in grand fashion, holding an Academy Awards-themed parade for friends and family. The parade, an annual event at the Villages, featured this year’s Grand Marshall, Jean Field Donovan of the Villages Amateur Theatre. Donovan is renowned around the community for having directed several of the theatre’s plays throughout the years.

Pam Hanssen, stand-in for Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O’Hara) and Darrell Hanssen, stand-in for Clark Gable (Rhett Butler), stand beside their “Gone with the Wind” entry for the 4th of July Parade. Photo by Tom Harney	A trio of young onlookers wave miniature American flags while watching the Villages 4th of July parade. Photo by William Bellou.

2006 Villages 4th of July Parade Grand Marshall Jean Field Donovan of the Villages Amateur Theatre. Photo by William Bellou

Jeanne Broenen, stand-in for Deborah Kerr (Mrs. Anna) and Tom Harney, stand-in for Yul Brynner (The King of Siam) with their entry for the 4th of July parade, “The King and I.” The Villages Amateur Theatre came away with three first-place awards for this entry, including Best Impression of a Movie, Best Costuming and Best Visual Display. The entry was designed by Broenen and engineered by Jim Grove. Photo by Monica Facchino.