Founded in 1992 by Memorial Drive Baptist Church (now Ecclesia on the West Side) and the six Memorial Villages, the Villages Independence Festival celebrates our freedoms and our community. Starting with a parade and fun run (added in 2016) and ending with the Festival intself, the day is devoted to wholesome fun for young and old. There are numerous rides and games for children. There is a petting zoo, pony rides, mazes, slides, a train, fishing ponds, and bag toss games for the youngest attendees. Face painters, hair spraying and spin art for the teens.
For the adults, local community groups set up booths where members talk about community programs and events. If your community group wants a booth contact Susan Schwartz at susanschw@aol.com.
The musical entertainment varies from year to year. The Festival opens with the singing of the National Anthem to the accompaniment of the Spring Branch ISD Honor Band. Throughout the event live music and dance groups perform on the large stage.
The Festival always ends with the big ladder truck from the fire department spraying water from the top of its fully extended ladder over the kids who gather in the middle of the grounds.
