Montecito Association’s Annual Village 4th

The Montecito Association Annual Village 4^th committee, led by MA Events Chair Mindy Denson, has been working for the past year to make the 2025 July 4^th celebration one for the books. The event is being co-sponsored by the Montecito Community Foundation.

This year’s Grand Marshalls are Cold Spring School Superintendent/Principal Amy Alzina and MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii, representing their schools and the community. During the photography session for this news story, I asked Alzina and Ranii for their thoughts on being named Grand Marshalls.

Ranii shared, “It’s a true honor to be selected along with my colleague Dr. Alzina. The schools are a huge part of this community, and we are happy to be a part of this wonderful Montecito tradition.” 

Alzina added, “Like Anthony, I am super honored and excited to represent the community I love and live in, went to college in, and just excited to lead the parade and celebrate America!”

The Village 4^th kicks off July 4, at the Montecito Fire Department for their annual pancake breakfast from 7-11 am. The parade start time is 11:30 am and goes down San Ysidro Road from Upper Manning Park to Montecito Union School, taking a left turn to Lower Manning Park where it ends. 

All parade entrants will be entered to win in one of three categories: Most Patriotic, Most Entertaining, and Best Community Spirit. At the park, the events lineup includes a performance by the Music Academy of the West, a surprise local band, the pie-eating contest, and the tug-of-war contest between MUS and CSS. There are ticketed BBQ, beer garden, and non-alcoholic beverage concessions. 

The Village 4^th 2025 committee is: Amy Alzina, Anthony Ranii, Mindy Denson, Houghton Hyatt, Montecito Fire Chief David Neels, Lt. Rich Brittingham, Nina Terzian, Christy Venable, Dana Hansen, Mike Edwards, Jillian Wittman, Andrea Newquist, Cindy Feinberg, Conner Rehage, Andrew Schmoller, and Trish Davis.  

411:You can support the Village 4^th via sponsorship at
https://montecitoassociation.org/events/4th-of-july