By Pablo J. Sáinz
A watermelon eating contest is one of the favorite events at the San Ysidro 4th of July celebration. File photo.
Make no mistake.
Although it is on the very border with Mexico, San Ysidro is a community as American as any All-American town in the middle of the United States.
Pride in the traditions of the United States is so strong in San Ysidro, that the community will be having one of the earliest 4th of July celebrations in San Diego County.
This time, the small border community celebrates Independence Day on Saturday June 29, from 11 am to 9:30 pm at the Cesar Chavez Community Park at Larsen Field.
That’s right: it is a very American celebration but “with a Mexican flavor,” said Jason MB Wells, executive director of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce and Business Association, one of the organizations sponsoring the event.
“By being on the U.S. side of the border, we celebrate what makes America the greatest country in the world, with the taste and pride that Mexicans and Mexican-Americans have brought to the table,” Wells said.
In fact, the flyer circulating on the Internet to promote the event includes the U.S. and Mexican flags side to side as sister nations.
It is also a way to thank the millions of Mexicans who cross the border each year to shop in the many businesses in San Ysidro.
“San Ysidro has a rich history which is complemented by its location at the busiest border in the world,” Wells said.
The celebration of Independence Day will include a children’s inflatable city, car show, three stages for live music, show commemorating the war of Independence and, of course, a great fireworks.
The event is held each year on the Saturday prior to July 4, so that more people can attend if the holiday falls on a weekday, as this year.
The mission of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce and Business Association is to stimulate the economic revitalization of San Ysidro for the benefit of business members and residents.
For more information on the San Ysidro 4th of July celebration, please visit www.sanysidrochamber.org.
San Ysidro is not the only community with a strong Latino presence which will held a 4th of July celebration. There are other events where Latinos celebrate the Independence Day of the United States with pride.
The National City Carnival will be held from July 3th through the 7th at Kimball Park, E. 12th St. and D Ave., in National City. This is a free event. For more information, please go to www.visitnationalcity.com.
There will be a private 4th of July event for Eastlake area residents, but the fireworks can be seen throughout east Chula Vista. The event will take place at the Olympic Training Center. More information at www.eefkids.org.
In North County, in Escon-dido, the 4th of July celebration will be held at Grape Day Park, 321 North Broadway from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free event. More information at www.escondido.org.