Photo courtesy of the D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation.
Ontario, California — July 4, 2026
The D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation is honored to announce that its entry in the 2026 City of Ontario Independence Day Parade has been recognized with the Chaffey Heritage Award, celebrating a community-driven tribute to legendary architect Paul Revere Williams and the enduring importance of preserving local history.
Created to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday and the 100th anniversary of Ontario’s historic Post Office, the award-winning float highlighted the extraordinary legacy of Paul Revere Williams, one of the most influential architects in American history. Williams designed more than 2,000 buildings throughout his distinguished career, including Ontario’s historic Post Office, Beverly Hills City Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and numerous landmarks that continue to shape communities across California and the nation.
The Foundation’s float combined large-scale architectural illustrations, educational exhibits, and historic storytelling to create what many parade attendees described as a traveling museum honoring Williams’ remarkable contributions to American architecture.
“This project was never just about building a parade float,” said D’Andre D. Lampkin, Founder and President of the D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation. “It was about honoring a visionary whose work continues to inspire generations while reminding our community that preserving history is essential to building a stronger future.”
The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the many individuals and organizations whose generosity and encouragement helped transform an ambitious idea into an award-winning reality.
Special recognition is extended to Empire Printing & Publishing, Inc., whose craftsmanship and dedication brought the custom architectural displays to life. Their team embraced the vision from the very beginning and produced the large-format graphics that became the centerpiece of the exhibit.
The Foundation also expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the team at The Home Depot – Ontario, whose associates encouraged the project while it was being assembled and assisted by providing discounts on materials that helped complete the float. After learning the Foundation had received the Chaffey Heritage Award, members of the Home Depot team proudly celebrated the accomplishment alongside Foundation representatives, underscoring the power of community partnership.
“This award belongs to everyone who believed in the vision,” Lampkin said. “From local businesses and volunteers to the families who stopped to learn about Paul Revere Williams during the parade, this project demonstrated exactly what our mission represents—Building Stronger, More Resilient Communities, Together.“
Beyond celebrating Williams’ architectural achievements, the project reflected the Foundation’s broader commitment to civic education, historic preservation, and community resilience. By connecting Ontario’s local heritage with a nationally significant figure in architecture, the Foundation sought to inspire residents to appreciate the places that define their community and the people whose vision made them possible.
As the Foundation continues its work throughout Southern California, the Chaffey Heritage Award serves as a reminder that meaningful partnerships, shared purpose, and community engagement can transform ideas into lasting impact.
The D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation extends its gratitude to the City of Ontario, parade organizers, the Chaffey Heritage Committee, volunteers, supporters, and community partners for helping make this Independence Day celebration one to remember.
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