By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Green Valley Lake used their annual parade on the Fourth of July as an opportunity to celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the town’s centennial.
Founder Harry McMullen was portrayed in the parade by Isaac Mraz, the parade’s grand marshal. He rode on a float featuring a 1916 Model T milk truck. He was joined by Charlene Noe, portraying Damaris Tillett.
It was McMullen who had the idea to build a dam, which led to the formation of the lake which drew fishermen to the community. And Tillett ran the toll booth people had to go through on their way to Big Bear. She fed them dinner and gave them a place to sleep.
Upcoming Centennial events include:
- July 11: Artisans and vendors in the community garden, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Big Bear Antique Car Club parade and car show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wake the Bard concert and barn dance, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Picnic dinner on the beach, 6 p.m. Rainee Blake & Chloe Kat concert, 7 p.m., Black Dog Social Club.
- July 18: Burial of the community 25-year time capsule, Green Valley Lake playground area, afternoon time to be announced. Centennial closing ceremony and lantern festival, GVL beach, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
The Green Valley Lake Centennial book, T-shirts, buttons and magnets will be on sale at the community garden.
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