Overview Our founding fathers risked life, limb, and all their material possessions in the pursuit of the free and democratic society that we now enjoy. It is because of them that we enjoy the benefits of a free and democratic society, including all of the freedoms stipulated in the Bill of Rights, as well as the protection of the laws of the land which result from our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. Since then, many thousands of men and women have served in various roles in the defense of that liberty. Some of them gave “their last full measure of devotion,” while others suffered physical and emotional wounds in the service of their nation. Their families also sacrificed of themselves, suffering separation from and even the loss of their loved ones. It is therefore fitting that we celebrate the anniversary of the independence of our nation and also that we commemorate those sacrifices. Spirit of the Fourth, Inc. is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501 (C)(3) corporation, which plans and conducts the Independence Day celebration in Rancho Bernardo. Many of the Spirit of the Fourth committee members work year-round to produce this popular, all-day celebration. Spirit of the Fourth is celebrating its 39th great year serving Rancho Bernardo and surrounding communities with a great, old-fashioned Independence Day celebration! Our theme this year is "Courage Under Fire" as we salute members of our active duty military services as well as our local first responders: men and women of our police and fire departments. County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price will be our event grand marshal and the parade will feature many of the elective officials who represent the citizens of Rancho Bernardo and North County, including Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Brian Bilbray, State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, San Diego City Mayor Jerry Sanders, and City Councilman Brian Maienschein. Please visit our activities page for specific information about the day's events. Events of the day kick off at 7:30 AM with at Pancake Breakfast which is part of our traditional Community Fair, conducted in beautiful Webb Park, with food and craft vendors, military displays, children’s activities, and live entertainment for adults and kids alike. The "Wheels of Freedom Motor Show" will be the biggest and best, yet, so be sure to come out to see all of the beautiful vehicles. The Rancho Bernardo Courtyard Marriott will offer alcholic beverages for sale on its patio (they must be consumed on the Marriott's premises). At 3:30 pm, our annual parade begins, complete with VIPs, military entries, veterans, Legion of Valor members, floats, bands, and a variety of other entries. The day’s festivities continue at 6:30 PM with two hours of live entertainment, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at Bernardo Heights Middle School. Please join us this year for food, fun, fireworks, and a salute to America!