INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATED; PARADES, LIVING HISTORY MAKE IT A FUN FOURTH.

Byline: Don Holland Staff Writer

From folksy hometown parades to an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Ventura County residents turned out in full force Sunday to mark the nation's 223rd birthday.

More than 1,000 people donned their Yankee Doodle best and marched amid star-spangled strollers, wagons and bicycles in the 30th annual Fourth of July Parade sponsored by the Westlake Village Junior Women's Club.

``It was probably our biggest turnout ever,'' said Leslie Milliken, who helped organize the event and led the parade in her husband, John's, 1937 Packard Super 8 convertible. ``It's a nice way to start off the Fourth of July. It really gets you into the spirit. And it's a wonderful community event where you see your neighbors.''

Nine-year-old Nicole Glaser and her 6-year-old brother, Reid, bubbled with patriotism aboard their bicycles, festooned with colorful ribbons, crepe paper and balloons.

``It was a fun parade,'' said Nicole. ``We had fun decorating our bikes. We did it with our friends.''

Julie Khalil brought her family out to join in the decidedly low-tech parade - a simple, yet unabashed display of good old-fashioned patriotism. When a neighbor put up an enormous American flag, her youngsters started asking questions, Khalil said.

``It was a chance to tell them about (American history) and how important it is to be free,'' Khalil said.

At the end of the parade route at Berniece Bennett Park, parade participants munched on free refreshments as sheriff's deputies let youngsters sit behind the wheel of a patrol car.

Over at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, modern-day patriots marked the occasion with free museum admission, carnival games, a pie-eating contest and live entertainment throughout the day. Organizers said Sunday's turnout would probably rival last year's draw of 7,800 people.

``It seems like there is a heavier crowd. I've never seen it quite like this before,'' said Eileen Kemp, an education and program specialist at the museum.

Kari Holmstedt of Thousand Oaks spent the day soaking up sunshine and song with her daughters and parents.

``It's always very patriotic,'' Holmstedt said, relaxing on the lawn at the museum's main courtyard. ``It's just like an old-fashioned Fourth of July.''

``They do a tremendous job here,'' added Don Holmstedt. ``At least our tax dollars are doing something good,'' he said with a laugh.

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Two-year-old Colton Gorian cools down with a Popsicle at the end of the Fourth of July parade.

(2--Color) The community parade in Westlake Village ended in Bennett Park where Doug James and his kids, Eric and Sara, climb a tree.

Eric Grigorian/Special to the Daily News