Photo Gallery: Fourth of July 2026
250 Years of Freedom, 70 Years of Tradition
RED, WHITE AND BLUE filled the streets of Avon Woods as neighbors, families and friends gathered to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and another unforgettable Avon Woods Fourth of July Parade & Picnic.
With patriotic music, decorated bicycles, strollers and golf carts, the parade once again brought our neighborhood together in a tradition that, according to longtime resident Nikki Fowler, dates back to 1956. Nearly seven decades later, the spirit of community remains as strong as ever.
Following the parade, neighbors enjoyed a morning of food, fellowship and family fun. A special thanks to (Mr. Joe) Ivey’s Ice Cream Truck, Voodoo Cafe Coffee & Beignets, Hollywood Feed, and the LOTS of volunteers (including a huge group from Memphis Bible Church) for helping make this year’s celebration even more memorable.
CONGRATULATIONS to winners of our kids’ bicycle decoration contest. First Place: Ava H. Second Place: Graham A. Third Place: Annie Michael P.
This year we featured our first-ever Fourth of July Home Decoration Contest, with homeowners throughout Avon Woods showing their patriotic spirit in creative and colorful ways. Congratulations to our winners, Greg and Sandra Johnson on Vescovo Drive who took home a $25 gift card, and a barbecue grill with accessories courtesy of Lowe’s Home Improvement! Congrats, too, to Turk and Melody Thomas whose beautiful bunting-lined lawn on Avon Road earned them first runners up!
Most importantly, THANK YOU to the many volunteers (including a huge group from our neighbors at Memphis Bible Church) whose time and dedication made this event possible. Special THANKS to our Avon Woods Steering Committee: Amanda and Derrick Von Stein, Lexie and Ryan “Torrent” Johnston, Jinna and Brian Bockhold, Mary K. Allen, Paige Wallace, Sally Feinup and Jay Perdue — for everything from getting the word out through flyers, yard signs, social media and email to placing flags on the light poles along Avon Road and the spectacular banner spanning the street to organizing the parade, setting up the picnic, grilling the hot dogs, coordinating activities and welcoming neighbors throughout the morning. Your efforts continue a tradition that has brought generations of Avon Woods residents together.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s celebration one to remember. We hope you enjoy this gallery of photos capturing the smiles, patriotism and community spirit that make Avon Woods such a special place to call home.
Happy Fourth of July from the Avon Woods Neighborhood Association!
Hats off to our neighbors from Memphis Bible Church (on Perkins) who showed up in force to help volunteer — in matching patriotic MBC shirts!
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
Ladies strike a patriotic pose at the blow-up bald eagle photo booth
More cheers from parade watchers along the way
2026 Fourth of July Home Decoration Contest Winner — Greg and Sandra Johnson on Vescovo Drive. Check out all those STARS!!
Patriotic gal borrowing Mr. America's top hat for a pic
Gathering before the parade provided a chance to meet new neighbors and catch up with old friends
Home Decoration Winners Greg and Sandra Johnson pose with Torrent "Bald Eagle" Johnston post parade
Avon Woods patriots on parade
Kids lining up with anticipation before the parade begins
Parade watchers staying cool in the shade
Avon Road was filled with red, white and blue as the crowd gathered before the parade
Parade watchers had it made in the shade
Vintage classic Ford Pickup parading patriotically
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
2026 Bicycle Decoration Winners: First Place: Ava H. Second Place: Graham A. Third Place: Annie Michael P.
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
Paige and Will Wallace pose with Lexie "Miss Liberty" Johnston
Happy Fourth of July Family decked out and ready for the parade to begin!
The BIG banner is up! Thanks to Avon Woods Neighborhood Association steering committee members (from left) Ryan "Torrent" Johnston, Amanda and Derrick Von Stein!
Amand, Derrick and Brian setting out the new flags all along Avon Road
All-American Jeep joining the parade
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
Happy kids on bikes decked in Red, White and Blue and ready for the parade to begin!
Neighborhood fur babies were happy to see Hollywood Feed passing out samples and supporting Avon Woods neighborhood
Going above and beyond, Neighborhood Association Steering Committee lead (and Mayor of Avon Woods) Derrick Von Stein did a bit of street cleaning the day before the parade. THANK YOU, DERRICK!
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
Friendly folks from Memphis Bible Church on Perkins Rd. showed up in force to volunteer with setup
Getting the FREE hot dogs and chips ready for hungry paraders
Neighborhood Association Steering Commmittee members Paige Wallace and Ryan "Torrent" Johnston helping with setup and placing flags along Avon Road before the big event
Lexie "Miss Liberty" Johnston graciously served as our emcee
Leslie Lee and Stephanie celebrate with a selfie!
Cheering on the parade in the comfort of a shade tree. (Wonder what's in that cooler!?)
Mr. and Mrs. America, aka Brian and Jinna Bockhold, manning the neighborhood association signup booth — but not missing out on the fun!
Amanda helping set out the new flags all along Avon Road
The kids showed up and showed out with their decked out bikes, trikes and motorized vehicles!
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
Cooling down in the post-parade water spray
2026 Fourth of July Home Decoration Winners Greg and Sandra Johnson of Vescovo Drive took home a $25 Lowe's Gift Card plus a barbecue grill set courtesy of Lowe's!
Like a patriotic Pied Piper, Bald Eagle Torrent Johnston leading the parade
Ryan "Torrent" Johnston running the event and staying, uh, hydrated
Memphis Bible Church showed up in force — with patriotic MBC T's! — to help set up and join the parade
Custom classic convertible 1947 (?) Ford Deluxe Street Rod cruising with the top down
Patriotic neighbors pose for a pic
A couple of Santa's Elves pose in the yard of the 2026 Home Decoration Content Winner, Greg and Sandra Johnson on Vescovo Drive
2026 Home Decoration First Runners Up Turk and Melody Thomas on Avon Road. Never seen so many STARS AND STRIPES forever!
The CRUSHR brings out the big wheels for the Avon Woods Fourth
Neighborhood Watch lead Mary K Allen and steering committee member Ryan "Torrent" Johnston photo-bombed by a skinny, wiggly patriot in the back
Cheering on the parade along Vescovo Drive
Leslie Lee and Stephanie in the American Eagle Photo Booth
Motorcycle Dad and Sidecar Kid
Uncle Sam's Elves (aka your Avon Woods Neighborhood Association Steering Committee), from left, Torrent Johnston, Brian and Jinna Bockhold, Derrick and Amanda Von Stein, stealthily assessed neighborhood yard decorations, deliberated and decided upon a winner the night before the big parade
Voodoo Cafe Coffee & Beignets hyped up the crowd with delicious doses of caffeine and sugar
Cute kids decked out in red, white and blue — READY for the parade!
The excitement was building as the crowd gathered before the parade
