On Saturday, June 30, more than 500 Marley Park residents got a jump start on their Independence Day festivities by attending our community’s annual Star-Spangled Celebration Pool Party.

The shindig had a little something for everyone to enjoy. From music mixed by a DJ to lawn games to food trucks to waterslides, if you weren’t in the pool you were definitely having a blast poolside. The crowd favorite had to be a waterslide called The General. It was 35 feet tall and anyone who dared to slide down it experienced a thrilling drop that plunged them into the air before safely landing on a super soft pad.

The pool party couldn’t have been a success without all of our amazing event volunteers, Valerie Jackson and Young Life.

Then on Sunday, residents were invited to deck out their wheels at a party to prep their rides for Wednesday’s parade. This year 18 eager parade participants used their creativity—along with some red, white and blue flare—to showcase their love for the USA.

And if you missed it this year, our Patriotic Parade was the perfect way to kick off the morning of our nation’s birthday. Nothing compares to a traditional hometown Fourth of July parade led by the Surprise Fire Department’s engine truck. With the patriotic spirit that flows through Marley Park, it’s no surprise that 156 bikes, golf carts, wagons and walkers made their way from the corner of 153rd Drive and Valentine Street all the way to the Heritage Campus parking lot. While parade goers rolled and marched the route, spectators cheered from the sidelines.

Throughout that morning neighbors dined together at the Heritage Club on a scrumptious pancake breakfast cooked and served by Boy Scout Troop 194. The group is grateful for the donations neighbors made during the event, which will help fund their troop’s efforts.

Many thanks to the volunteers who made the events on July 4 possible: Bill Adams, John and Mark McCall, Kruithof Family (Justin, Erica, and Emerson), Bette and Rob Thompson, Melissa Twitchell, Molly and Quincy Davis, Leah Masiello, Daisy Brady and Cub Scout Pack 194, Gena O’Leary and Girl Scout Troop 4847.

Be sure to check out the photos from each event (pool party, parade, and pancake breakfast), tag yourself and your friends, and download your favorites for your own memories.