Fireworks, homegrown talent, a military plane flyover, memorial tributes to three Elsinore High School soldiers, boy scouts, young marines-in-training and bags of blue and white monogrammed M&Ms (hold the red dye) tied with red ribbons are part of the trappings of an all-American extravaganza to celebrate the civic independence day on July 1 for the new city of Wildomar.

"I can’t believe it’s happening," said City Councilwoman-elect Bridgette Moore, who will be sworn in her official capacity along with colleagues Sheryl Ade, Bob Cashman, Scott Farnam and Marsha Swanson.

Along with Swanson, Moore organized the inaugural event between the voters’ approval of Wildomar’s incorporation on February 5 and the legal birth date of Riverside County’s 25th city.

The drive to incorporate Wildomar germinated slowly more than 20 years ago but picked up momentum when the nonprofit all-volunteer group Wildomar Incorporation Now (WiN) was created to pursue the goal of cityhood about 10 years ago.

Almost $100,000, an audit of the proposed city’s financial health, one attempted annexation and one successful partial annexation by neighboring cities later, seasoned volunteers breathed a sigh of relief when voters approved the cityhood question on the first attempt during the presidential primary election in February.

Others say the foundation for cityhood was 122 years in the making since the founding of the community in 1886 with the opening of Wildomar Elementary School and the Wildomar Post Office.

The extravaganza begins promptly at 6 p.m. at the Elsinore High School football stadium with the National Anthem sung by 14-year-old local songbird Jillian Calkins, presentation of the flag by Wildomar Boy Scout Troop 332 and Wildomar Young Marines with musical accompaniment by the UC Riverside Pipe Band.

After the swearing-in of the new city leaders by First Advertisement

[ Chatton and Associates ] District Supervisor Bob Buster, the council will conduct a special city council meeting to approve ordinances and lay the legal foundation for the newly anointed city. The program will include presentations from local dignitaries and community officials.

A special commemoration will be held in honor of three local heroes – Sgt. Nathan Kalani Bouchard, killed on August 18, 2005, at the age of 24 (EHS class of 1999); Lance Cpl. Justin T. Hunt, killed on July 6, 2004, at 22 (EHS class of 2000); and Pvt. First Class Daniel Ray Parker, killed on August 12, 2003, at 18 (EHS class of 2002) – through the nonprofit American Heroes Tribute banners.

The goal of the group, formed in 2005 in San Clemente, is to collect donations and create banners for all service persons who served in Afghanistan and Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The timing of the incorporation ceremony and the sacrifice made by the troops to preserve the democratic ideals celebrated nationwide on July 4 events is poignant. Remembering their lives at their alma mater brings home the loss felt by their friends, family and neighbors. "They were our local boys," said Hunt’s mom, Debbie.

Volunteer Paula Willette was busy assisting with inauguration preparations and counting down the days before the municipal pageantry. "It’s exciting to finally become a city," she said.

The public is encouraged to arrive when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. and bring blankets to watch the fireworks on the football field. Family entertainment and complimentary hot dog meals will be provided in addition to food available for purchase between 7:30 and the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show.

For more information, contact wildomar@aol.com. Elsinore High School is at 21800 Canyon Drive.