Small-town Fourth of July

Every town has their own way of celebrating Independence Day. In the years that I spent in Connecticut, I had some nice Fourths, mostly the day was celebrated with a barbecue with friends. Never once did I go down to Short Beach in Stratford, CT to watch the fireworks. And if there was a big, town-wide celebration, I wasn’t aware of it; not to mention I probably wouldn’t go because of the crowds it would likely draw. I think that is why I am rather partial to my small-town celebration. 


The first events happen a few days before the Fourth, though the early events are probably not technically part of the celebration. The afternoon of  Friday, June 29 the local bank put on a customer appreciation BBQ that was free, while the high school volleyball team had a car wash at the same time. Then that evening the Legion Hall hosted a Pulled Pork dinner (by donation) followed by a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker and Cribbage Tournament. Then the events stop until a golf tournament on Tuesday, July 3rd with the local Talent Show that same evening.

The big day is obviously on the 4th of July. The day starts off at 7 a.m. with a 5k run/walk fundraiser. Also starting at 7 a.m. is the Fireman’s Breakfast. We have a fantastic Volunteer Fire Department and they cook up eggs, ham and pancakes for donations outside of the firehouse with seating inside the station.
At 9 a.m. the Topic Club’s Book Sale opened along with the small Craft Fair down at the Legion Hall.

In the park across from the Fire Hall, the annual Blues Cruise Car Show kicked off at 10 a.m., while they set up for the kids Fish Pond at the Fire Hall. The bulk of the day’s events take place in the park, on main street and in front of the fire hall. The fish pond line starts for form around 10:30 a.m., it is free for the kids and after they “fish” their prize out they enter a free drawing for a bike. There were eight bikes, each ranging in size for age. 


The Pie Sale started at 11 a.m., in the kitchen area of the fire hall. The pies/cakes are made by the Catholic Church’s Altar Society and sell for $2.50. There was a huge variety from carrot cake to cheesecake and Marionberry (a variety of blackberry that is native to Oregon) pie and much, much more. 
The food vendors are also set up around 11 a.m. The Mexican food booth was highly anticipated and is run by a family in town. When I was visiting with some ladies at the fireman’s breakfast they were already looking forward to that specific food booth. At 12:30 p.m. the names for the bike raffle were drawn and those riding in the parade reported to their floats to begin lining up while the crowd gathered along main street.


The parade started at 1 p.m. running down Main Street with the announcer stand in front of the Fire Hall. Leading the parade were the US and Oregon flags. They were presented while our own K.G. did an amazing job singing The Star Spangled Banner, a Capella. 

At the front of the parade rode the Grand Marshals, our own high school volleyball team who were the State 1A Champions with a record 0-32 season. My sister happens to be the assistant coach. The rest of the parade was comprised of towing trucks from the local towing company, local political candidates, Morrow County Fair representatives, Little League All Star team, some of the classic cars from the car show, some farm equipment and then bringing up the rear was the fleet of fire trucks and ending with one of the county sheriff’s. Nearly all of the floats tossed out candy for the kids.


Following the parade are some activities in the park including a dunk tank, a frog jumping contest and a free craft area for kids. The afternoon is filled with music from various Blues bands, briefly interrupted for a few live auction items at 7 p.m., and the entire day ends with an impressive fireworks display.


Looking at the list of activities, it is a busy day. 
So what do you think? How did my small-town Fourth of July compare with the celebration in your town?