By Freda Miklin – Staff Writer
After the annual 4th of July bash for children and families had to be canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it came thundering back for residents of The Preserve at Greenwood Village on Saturday, July 3.
paper badge on this happy little boy as his sisters and dad looked on.
Families with young children on bikes, trikes and in strollers came to the recreation center for the neighborhood to get kids’ bikes decorated with ribbons, bows and all things red, white and blue, along with paper police badges from three of Greenwood Village’s finest, who also handed out tootsie-roll pops. Over 100 kids and parents on bikes followed the ladder truck from nearby South Metro Fire Rescue Station 32 in a parade around the south side of the neighborhood.
Afterwards, families enjoyed a hot dog and hamburger lunch from the grill with all the fixings, including chocolate-chip cookies and brownies for dessert.
Then kids got to play in a bounce house, try a Ninja Nation obstacle course, and get their favorite balloon animals made to order. A DJ played fun dance music throughout. When things began to quiet down, lots of families made their way to the relaxing neighborhood swimming pool. The fun day was sponsored by the Preserve homeowners’ association.
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After the parade, parents and kids got lunch from the ample buffet of hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings, then went to enjoy a warm Saturday at the neighborhood swimming pool. Photos by Freda Miklin 
This little boy tried to run up the 12-foot side of this warp wall. 
There was a challenging obstacle course for the older kids. 
The bounce house was full of happy kids. 
This tower fire truck from South Metro Fire Rescue Station 32 located in Centennial on Quebec Street just south of Orchard Road came to lead the parade. 
Winter, 2, and Cameron, 4, were dressed and decorated for the 4th of July parade. They came with their parents Jennifer and Ben Puetz for the festivities. The family moved to the neighborhood two years ago. 
Kayla, 10, and Taylor, 9, students at Cherry Creek Academy, brought their dad, Lee Hunt, and dog Oscar to the parade. Dad told us that the family has lived in The Preserve for nearly two years. 
Kassidy, 4, and Ethan, 2, came with their bikes all decked out for the parade. Parents Katherine and Joel Dea have been in The Preserve for three years.