In honor of America's 250th birthday, Stroll Windward proudly celebrates this historic milestone with our community.

For me, the Fourth of July has always represented the very best of America and family tradition. Growing up, every Independence Day was spent at Lake Burton. My grandparents bought a cabin there in 1960 for just $6,250, and though it was modest in every way, it became the center of so many cherished family memories.

Every Fourth of July started with the Lake Burton 5K Fun Run at Moccasin Creek, followed by decorating our pontoon boat in the tackiest red, white, and blue fashion possible. There was my grandfather, Bill Bishop, wearing his WWII USS Niblack navy & gold ball cap, and my mom making the traditional sheet cake with strawberry stripes and blueberry stars. We spent endless hours water skiing before ending the evening on our pontoon's hardtop, legs dangling over the side, watching fireworks light up the mountains over the lake.

Today, our family’s traditions continue here in Windward, where Fourth of July festivities have created some of our favorite memories and become a beloved tradition for families throughout the neighborhood. We started attending the Windward parade with our girls in a double stroller that was decorated, of course, before they could even walk. Like many of you, we’ve spent years enjoying the race and parade, followed by afternoons at the Windward Sports Park filled with pony rides, face painting, spirit contests, and time spent with friends and neighbors.

Afternoons have always meant Windward friends gathering in the Konz backyard for our annual Fourth of July party, complete with BBQ, water slides, paddle boards, lake floating, and plenty of red, white, and blue fun. Now that the kids are older, our annual “red team vs. blue team” games, from yard darts to three-legged races, have become part of our tradition. This year, we celebrate 25 years of Fourth of July memories in Windward with friends, family, and neighbors.

As we celebrate America 250, I hope you enjoy time with family, friends, and the traditions that make the Fourth of July such a special part of life here in Windward. Wishing everyone a happy and memorable holiday.

See you around the neighborhood!
Lisa