From left, Fred Newberry, Will Bashaw and Elliot Lambert on Saturday lead the North Hills July 4 parade with the American Flag.

NORTH HILLS – The annual North Hills July 4 observance was held Saturday when America’s 250th Independence Day was celebrated in an event that defines the town, organizers said.

“(Saturday’s) celebration is about more than a parade,” parade coordinator K.C. Doepker said at the opening ceremony. “As we celebrate our nation’s 250th year, we also celebrate the spirit that has always made America strong. Neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers serving without expectation and communities coming together for a common purpose. That’s exactly what we’ve witnessed here in North Hills this year.”

The celebration began near North Hills Pool with an opening prayer by Joe Lambert of North Hills, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, neighborhood recognitions and patriotic music performed by the Pipes and Drums of St. Andrew. Residents Fred Newberry, Will Bashaw and Elliot Lambert carried the American flag as decorated bicycles, scooters, golf carts and electric bikes traveled the parade route around the pool.

The event was started in 1997 when resident Mary Weber organized a neighborhood block party at the top of North Hills Drive. Thirty years later, the celebration continues to bring generations of families together to celebrate Independence Day.

In keeping with this year’s theme of community, several residents were recognized for the contributions they have made to North Hills.

Brenley Wilson participates in raft relay races held Saturday at the North Hills Pool Party celebrating July 4 and America’s 250th birthday.

Special recognition was given to Chris and Rita Campbell, whose generosity in donating materials, labor and expertise made it possible to repair the North Hills Pool wall.

Linda Alt, a long-time swimming coach, was honored for her decades of dedication to North Hills swimming and for returning this season to lead swim lessons and coach the North Hills Sprinters.

Also recognized was Diana Wilson, Ashley Kalika and Kelly Fluharty for their leadership in developing a strategic plan for the future of the North Hills Pool. Their efforts not only led to the pool’s reopening this summer, but also to the formation of a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the community pool for future generations.

Vendors and community partners helped make the celebration possible, including R&R Farms, Pop N Paint Face Painting, Isaac the Balloon Man, Meigs Inflatables, Sno Biz and the Pipes and Drums of St. Andrew.

Families showcased their patriotic creativity with decorated bikes, scooters and golf carts as judges selected this year’s parade winners:

The Barnette family displays the Mayor's Choice Award for a patriotic train-themed floatSaturday at the North Hills July 4 celebration.

* Spirit Award: first, Holden Harris; second, Easton Grose; third, Cooper Sayre

* Golf Cart Award: The Cole Family

* Mayor’s Choice Award: The Barnette Family

Organizers also thanked the North Hills Town Council for supporting the celebration, Doepker and volunteers Fred Newberry, Ann Lambert and Lora Ann Brown-Bruker.

Following the parade, families gathered at North Hills Pool for the annual Fourth of July celebration that featured a cookout, a DJ, relay races, games and activities for all ages.

Linda Alt is recognized for her years of service to the North Hills Pool and the Mid Ohio Valley at the annual North Hills July 4 celebration on Saturday at the pool.

Also half-off season memberships remain available for the second half of the season at the pool and swim lessons will continue throughout July with openings in upcoming sessions. A limited number of private pool party rental dates also remain this summer.

Families interested in memberships, swim lessons or private pool rentals can contact North Hills Pool at 304-834-1005, email northhillspool@gmail.com or follow @northhillspoolparkersburg on Facebook for more information.

Holden Harris proudly displays his Spirit Award after dressing as a patriotic eagle and decorating his bike for the annual North Hills July 4 parade. The town on Saturday celebrated America’s 250th anniversary.

Easton Grose smiles with his mother Candice upon winning second place in the bike parade Saturday at the North Hills July 4 celebration.

Cooper Sayer celebrates his third place win in the North Hills July 4 bike parade with his brother Landon.

The Cole Family received the Golf Cart Award Saturday at the North Hills July 4 celebration.