Small Town America: Fourth of July Celebrations

In celebration of our nation’s Independence Day, our town holds a Fourth of July parade every year. It is a small slice of hometown Americana that still exists and I am so happy that my eight-year-old son Calvin (pictured above) is fortunate to get to experience it. We always look forward to an eclectic group of parade participants. This year the participants included local schools, veteran’s groups, dance troupes, girl and boy scouts, elected officials, musical groups and bands, a dog training school and political activists promoting various causes (e.g., go green). So this year, as in past years, we packed up our folding chairs, walked down to the parade area, found a spot along the street and set up camp.

While watching the parade, Calvin decided that next year he wanted to be IN the parade. So we talked about developing a float around the theme of community gardening. So now we just need to put that idea into action. Later in the evening, we again packed up our chairs and walked down to the local Middle School where the fireworks are set off and everyone camps out on the sprawling tiered lawn. Before the fireworks, a band plays music and an acrobatic group gives a performance while food vendors make a brisk business.

It is better to tell the story of the parade and fireworks in photos, so here we go…………….