W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ANNIVERSARY
VOLUME 93, NO. 27
FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026
PATRIOT ACTS: West Orange reenactor brings history to life Winter Garden’s Adams-Onís Treaty Chapter member Marcea Oetting shares her deep passion for history by recreating some of the country’s most notable women. SEE PAGE 5A.
History lives here
Photos by Liz Ramos
A piece of the narrowest section of the Berlin Wall is on display in the room as a symbolism for the fragility of freedom.
YOUR TOWN CELEBRATE AMERICA 250 There are plenty of ways to celebrate America 250 in West Orange and Southwest Orange this weekend. In Winter Garden, the Red, White & Blues on the Plaza concert will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3, at Centennial Plaza. Then, on Saturday, July 4, the city will host the 22nd Annual All
Winter Garden’s Austin Arthur houses dozens of historical world and family artifacts in a room in his office known as the Churchill Room. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
American Kids Parade & Pancake Breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge. There also will be live music from noon to 7 p.m. at Centennial Plaza. The city will close out the holiday with its Party in the Park & Fireworks, which takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Newton Park. Celebrate with live music by Dead Radio, family-friendly activities and games, crafts, and food and merchandise vendors. The fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. over Lake Apopka. In nearby Ocoee, the city
will host its Fourth of July and America 250 Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Bill Breeze Park. The event will feature live music from The Gerry Williams Band, as well as games, rides and food trucks. There also will be recreations (6, 7 and 8 p.m.) of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride down Lakeshore Drive. The event will culminate with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. over Starke Lake. In Windermere, the town will host its annual Pancake Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, July 4, at Town Hall.
STARS, STRIPES & STACKS Winter Garden and Windermere both will host July 4 pancake breakfasts. SEE PAGE 5A.