Numerous July Fourth celebrations were held throughout the Westbank last weekend, thanks to community organizers with a flair for patriotic fun. In terms of longest running annual July Fourth celebrations in the Westbank area, the communities of Rollingwood and Lost Creek take the cake. But the West Lake Hills Independence Day event was only the fifth, and it is steadily growing in popularity after longtime resident Judy French spearheaded its humble beginnings.

French began the tradition with a one-block long parade along Buckeye Trail, which was followed by Jan and Tom Stratton inviting participants to enjoy lemonade and cookies at their home. Newly elected Mayor Mark Urdahl encouraged French by joining in the fun that year, and he helped continue the tradition by moving it the following year to a more central location, thanks to the generosity of Treaty Oak Bank. Amy’s Ice Cream provided free treats, Texas Honey Ham provided free breakfast tacos, and a tradition was born.

French downplays the part in beginning the tradition, but nothing of its scale had ever been pulled off in the city that’s been around for more than a half century. She deserves a lion’s share of the credit for uniting the community in the spirit of Independence Day. The results have been an event that speaks well for everyone in the city of more than 3,000 residents.

Every community should launch similar efforts because the spirit of independence in the U.S. is never more powerful than when it is demonstrated within the small communities across the nation.

Hats off to French and all of the businesses who remain dedicated to keeping this tradition alive.