Here we are on the last day of June, excitedly anticipating the 4th of July festivities. Just this morning, I read a helpful collection of tips to make the festivities more enjoyable. I would imagine my little town and all the surrounding villages will be showing up in mass numbers to celebrate the day on Main Street and Out-of-Town Park.
While blogging, I try not to include the actual names of places around these parts. People that know the places about which I write, know. We desert folk need to keep some local treasures to our selves. But, the Out-of-Town Park is really named that. Not named after the founding fathers of the town or the current Major. It’s just Out-Of-Town Park. This shouldn’t be confused with In-Town-Park. Two separate places. Their names tell you all you need to know.
4th of July will begin with a pancake breakfast. At 10 AM, the parade down Main Street will begin. Long ago, I rode in this parade. It was the last time I ever offered to ride down Main Street while displaying the beauty queen wave. You see, in my town, the parade entries are the target of water balloons and water cannons. Very scary to have unwanted projectiles flying at you from the crowd. The parade route is long, perhaps more than a mile. It seemed an eternity until we finally turned off the route. Right then and there, I told VST I would never ride in another parade.
In this long stretch of road, there isn’t a bare spot to sit. I didn’t know there were that many people in our area. While children darted in and out of the road to get candy, their parents sat on lawn chairs visiting with neighbors. There was another problem with my parade experience. The service organization VST and I represented doesn’t allow the throwing of candy during a parade. Yes. They allow creepy clowns and midget cars, but NO CANDY. So, as we went by the littles, all anxiously awaiting a treat, all we got back were angry looks and more water balloons.
After the parade ends, the party will move to Out of Town park where there will be lots of food, games, and booths. In the evening, all eyes will turn to the night sky for the fireworks display. I haven’t decided from what vantage point I will watch. The park is awfully crowded and in the desert, there are hills that provide better vantage points. Even Virginia City is a possibility.
The highlight of the late afternoon the highly anticipated Greased Pig Contest will be held. Now, if you haven’t ever been to such an event, have no worries about the safety of the pigs. On a farm, an respectable animal can out run the farmer without even trying. A child and a pig are no match. The pig will win every time. Worry more about the children that will be chasing them for they are the true victims in this scenario. It’s similar to Mutton Busting, where littles try to hold onto a running sheep. How these things are not lumped into the Child Abuse category is beyond me. The kids are in far more danger than the animals.
The pigs are coated with something non-toxic and slippery. These are young pigs that like to run, jump, and play. They are released and the children must attempt to catch one. That’s where the close-toed shoes come in. A valuable tip from a parent whose child probably lost a toe last year. Around here, kids still go bare-footed. It’s just the way it is with us rural types.
The town is ready for visitors. All the murals are finished, looking crisp and festive. The streets are swept and waiting for Monday when we will celebrate our REAL independence day. Never forget how many men and women have given their lives for our country and way of life. Our traditions are precious. Starting as a dream of freedom, honor our great country on her birthday. There is absolutely no other place in the world as wonderful.
More tomorrow.