JULY 15 – AUGUST 4, 2025
SANTA YNEZVALLEYSTAR.COM
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Solvang celebrates the 4th with parade, fireworks Perfect weather greets residents, proving that 'Anything is Possible in America' on its 249th birthday
INSIDE
By Pamela Dozois Contributing Writer
I
t was the perfect day, weatherwise, to celebrate the 4th of July. Throngs of people from near and far lined the sidewalks of Solvang to celebrate America’s 249th anniversary of its Independence Day with a patriotic parade whose theme this year was “Anything is Possible in America.” The Grand Marshals of this year’s parade were Kay and Walt Alves. They moved to the Valley in 1959, and for the past 66 years, they have been steeped in volunteering. The couple has donated countless hours to Old Mission Santa Ines, the San Lorenzo Seminary and the Seminary Foundation, and the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. But above all, the Alveses have been committed to the Rotary and Rotary International, both actively fundraising for Rotary’s scholarship program, with the two of them always cooking for Old Santa Ynez Days and Danish Days. There were 74 entries in this year’s colorful parade, all bedecked
Spotlight | Pg. 10 C.J. Jackson's message: You are never too old to get fit and healthy News Briefs . . . . . . . . . Pg. 2 • Author Rich Gamble hosting farewell party July 27 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 4 • Planning Commission deadlocks on proposed private school, denying project News . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 7 • New California laws effective July 1
The winner of the Best Automobile, single, is the George Family 1929 Model A Roadster. Photo by Devyn Marseilles
with red, white, and blue and the American flag. Following the singing of the national anthem by sixth-grader Evie Gerritsen, daughter of Griffin and Gigi Gerritsen, the parade started promptly at 10 a.m. with the Color Guard American Legion Post #160 leading the way, soon followed by the Alveses as Grand Marshals. After that, the parade included several dignitaries, including the Solvang and Buellton mayors
and City Councilmembers; newly named 2025 Danish Queen Addie Madrid, riding in a 1936 Ford Roadster; 2025 Youth Rec Queen Kacy Caplan with SYV Youth Recreation; and Miss Santa Ynez Old Days Rodeo Queen Hailee Taylor. Many local organizations were present at the parade, including the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, Solvang Senior Center, Atterdag Village, and Solvang The-
aterfest. Santa Ynez High School sports programs were represented, among them the varsity and JV football teams — some of whom jumped off the back of the trailer and did push-ups — as well as players from the water polo and girls volleyball squads. Many entries came to entertain and perform, such as local parade and event staple Garcia Dance Studio of Lompoc, Pacific Flips CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 8 • 2025 Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic benefits People Helping People Community . . . . . . . . . Pg. 9 • Skynet Playground the latest edition to Buellton's outdoor adventure park' Community . . . . . . . . Pg. 12 • Comedians Orny Adams, Frazer Smith coming to Solvang Festival Theater Events . . . . . . . . . . . Pg. 16 • Government meetings and events