The South Bay is invited to the 61st all-volunteer Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration for a half-day of distinguished speakers, live music, games, picnicking, capitol flag raffle, and family fun on the green of Malaga Cove School in Palos Verdes Estates from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on July 4th 2026.
This free historic celebration of America's semiquincentennial is a non-commercial event held to renew a sense of appreciation for our independence and great American heritage of freedom.
The featured Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award speaker is Evan Lovett, creator of, L.A. in a Minute, the Van Dine Americanism Award will be presented to Jacki Bacharach, Executive Director of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, and the Albright Essay winner is Miraleste middle-schooler Caleb Low.
The event is produced by the Palos Verdes Independence Day Celebration Committee with assistance from community volunteers. All activities take place on the playing fields of Malaga Cove School, 300 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. The formal program takes place under a marquee tent surrounded by dozens of proudly waving American flags. Parking is free.
Every year this friendly patriotic picnic-style gathering takes the top spot for community spirit, from the cuteness overload of face painting, a puppet show and the children’s bike parade led by Uncle Sam, to the Apple Pie Baker contest and the hard-fought family competitions held under the expert eye of Gamemaster Erick Gutierrez. The 18’ tall eye-catching Statue of Liberty replica with its giant American flag backdrop for selfies is a wildly popular attraction.
Listen to one of the best patriotic bands in the land while you sing along to beloved songs like Katharine Lee Bates’, “America the Beautiful”. Picnic, play, and enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers grilled by the Palos Verdes Estates Local Boy Scout Troop 257. Spread out a blanket, lean back in your beach chair, and capture the American spirit of community.
This year’s keynote speaker and recipient of the Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award is Evan Lovett, the creator of the L.A. in a Minute podcast. Lovett’s storytelling is praised for his accounts of the geopolitical or historical background of an L.A. Street, business, or landmark in short form.
His enthusiastic, contemporary spin on history has made LA in a Minute into a fast growing, popular multimedia brand. Long-time Angelenos and newcomers alike credit the content as a great way to feel connected to the vast, sprawling city.
"Celebrating the history and legacy of Palos Verdes on the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence is a privilege. I am genuinely excited to share this moment with so many incredible people," says Evan Lovett, LA in a Minute, podcaster.
The Van Dine Americanism Award is given each year to a Peninsula resident who has contributed in a special way to the quality of life in America. The 2026 recipient is Jacki Bacharach, Executive Director of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments since 1998.
Bacharach is a prominent Southern California civic leader and public transit advocate. She has shaped the region's transportation network, serving as a 14-year Rancho Palos Verdes City Councilmember and Mayor, and Founding Chair of Metrolink.
“I know how special this award has been over its 61 years and the exemplary people who have been its recipients. I see this as a great honor and recognition for doing what I love to make the Peninsula and the region the beautiful and dynamic place it is,” says Jacki Bacharach.
An additional highlight of the morning will be remarks by middle school Albright Essay contest winner, Caleb Low, whose winning essay is entitled, The Importance of the First Amendment.
Event Schedule
Apple Pie Bakers must enter their pie between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30. 1st place winner receives a live apple tree from Bennett Landscape & a blue ribbon, 2nd and 3rd place receive ribbons. All participants receive a gift card from Hof's Hut.
- 8:30 a.m. Apple Pie Baking Contest entries accepted for judging. All pies must be homemade and contain apples. All ages accepted.
- 9:30 a.m. Apple Pie Judging takes place
- 9:30 a.m. Face Painting
- 9:30 a.m. Line up for Children's Bicycle Parade
- 10:10 a.m. Children's Patriotic Bicycle Parade
- 10:15 a.m. Magic Show
- 10:30 a.m. Formal Program and Awards
- 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sousa Palooza Band Concert, vocals by Brenda Lynn
- 12:00 p.m. Picnic and Family Games
Formal Program and Awards
- Invocation
- Presentation of Colors
- Recognition of Armed Services
- Welcome
- Herbert Albright Essay Contest Winners
- Apple Pie Winners Announced
- Van Dine Family Americanism Award: Community Leader Jacki Bacharach
- Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award and keynote speaker: Evan Lovett, LA in a Minute
- US Flag flown over State Capitol Drawing
- Benediction
Thanks to our donors who make it possible to keep this PVE tradition alive. The Palos Verdes Independence Day Celebration, 501 c3, continues because of private contributions, not public funds― just the way it was intended from the start. In the spirit of community, consider making a donation. Donors will be recognized in our program, and your donation is tax deductible.
Donate Online
Website: WWW.PVJULY4.org
501c3 Federal Tax ID: 95-6219743
Email: [email protected]
Mail To: P.O. Box 1182, PVE, CA 90274
