Eastmark’s celebration of freedom: July 4th

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It’s not every day you get to celebrate a 240th birthday. And for a community that is just three years old, Eastmark residents turned out in a big way to commemorate our nation’s special day.

The day’s festivities began bright and early with our inaugural Spirit of Community Parade. From a Boy Scout Troop escort to costumed pets, the parade had it all. Without a doubt the highlight was the Lincoln Square neighborhood entry featuring six decked-out golf carts, one of which pulled a float with a giant bust of Abraham Lincoln.

More than 60 residents joined the patriotic procession to The Eastmark Great Park where we met at the Event Pavilion for a flag ceremony, Pledge of Allegiance, and national anthem. If the Event Pavilion had a roof, Brennae Maddix would have blown it off with her rendition of The Star Bangled Banner. She has some serious pipes!

Special appreciation goes to our good natured “celebrity judges” — Mesa City Councilmember Kevin Thompson and Assistant Chief of Police Mike Soelberg — who were tasked with selecting the winning parade entries. The inaugural Spirit of Community award was presented to the Lincoln Square neighborhood. And most creative entry was awarded to The Radiant Grove Firecrackers.

Following the parade was the All American Pancake Breakfast at The ‘Mark. More than 350 residents lined up for some tasty apple pie hot cakes complete with a scoop of ice cream on top!

The Sonoran Brass Quintet added a touch of nostalgia to the festivities with traditional John Philip Sousa marches, patriotic tunes, and summertime classics.

Later in the evening, after enjoying barbecues and potlucks with family and friends, we gathered back at The Eastmark Great Park for a country rock concert featuring Chad Freeman and Redline. As the sun went down the crowd grew to at least 2,500 in anticipation of our community’s inaugural fireworks show.

At 9:30, the spectacular bursts of color filled the sky and the sounds of awe and amazement filled the air. It was the perfect way to say, “Happy Birthday, USA!”

Check out our Facebook gallery for more photos that captured the spirit of Eastmark’s celebration of freedom.