Well, as promised, I’m reporting back over what was a most splendidly outrageous Independence Day Celebration along a dusty little wide spot in the road on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada. Make no mistake about it. Nevadan’s aren’t interested in some ridiculous drone show or replacing the 4th for any other day in any other month. Nope. Not happening here. We desert folk like us some old fashioned Independence Day fun!
Yesterday started early, with a pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall here in town. In the 100+ year old lodge, the men made biscuits, gravy, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage. Grandparents got breakfasts for their littles while parents kept watch on jittery kids who just wanted to know when the parade would start. This was a place for locals to enjoy each other’s company.
Just outside, main street was clogged along the parade route with thousands. People began arriving the night before and camped along the route. MM overnighted his truck at the perfect spot so we wouldn’t be disappointed in the morning. From Alt 87 to the Round-A-Bout ( about two miles?) there wasn’t a parking spot to be found. Pop-Up tents shaded the more prepared of the visitors. The out-of-towner’s parked a mile away and walked in. The town was expecting 10,000 attendees yesterday. It seemed there were that many, or more.
In a last minute decision, Miss B, MM’s octogenarian mom, and her friend decided to join us. With MM’s brother and sister-in-law bringing their chairs, we made quite a lovely family as we waited for the Mayor to pass us by. In case you’re a new reader, the town’s Mayor just happens to be MM’s brother.
Now, it’s not every day while watching a parade that you can make it STOP to get a great picture with The Mayor. We did just that. Three brothers enjoying a great 4th!
The floats were old fashioned and lovely. The girls of the State Champion Softball League were all smiles as they threw candy to the children lining Main Street. There were church floats and car clubs. The only thing missing was a few men on horseback and the high school marching band. While watching all 60 entries march through a blocked-off Main street, everyone behaved. It was hot. Desert hot. Yet, there were no complaints. From the month old baby being passed from relative to relative, to our beloved Miss B, there were smiles all around. Patriotic in the most lovely way.
After the parade, it was off to Out of Town Park, not to be confused with In Town Park. Those are their true names, not something I made up, which is another thing I adore about my town. Under the shade of gigantic cottonwood trees, MM and I found a cool spot to sit and people watch. Again, it was very, very hot, but there were no grumps in the bunch. Just a happy day for happy people.
There was plenty to eat and drink, and of course, the Republican and Democrat booths. One was heavily visited, while the other sat empty in the corner of the venue. A DJ played a great mix of music, while a breeze helped cool things off to the low 90’s in the shade.
At 5PM, the most entertaining part of the day began. The Greased-Pig Contest, run by MM’s Nephew, a son of the Mayor. Between five brothers, their children, and grandchildren, the family has won more than 20 pigs over the year. MM, himself, took home the bacon on several occasions.
This year, the stars were some Hungarian Mangalitsa pigs. Big ones.
Have you ever?
The competition was fierce. First, it was the Fire Department against the Sheriff’s Office. Four men on each team faced a Hungarian Mangalitsa on the softball diamond. With the men one hand to the fence, the hesitant domesticated omnivorous even-toed ungulate was released on the field by four coverall-ed pig handlers.
“On Your Mark. Get Set. Go!”
And it was on! In the end, the Sheriff officer were quicker. They won and will keep the pig for themselves.
After that, it was boys against boys, girls against girls. No confusion there. Divided by age, 8 separate challenges were run. The adults needed to tackle and hold 90 lb. pigs. The younger kids chased piglets. No people or animals were harmed in the activity. The winner decided whether to take the pig home or trade it back for $75. Not a bad payday for under two minutes of effort.
Now, in case you were wondering, PETA didn’t show up and protest. If they would’ve tried, it wouldn’t have gone well for them. There were no injuries, not even a skinned knee. The pigs happily returned to their trailer to enjoy an afternoon snack, as peaceful as you please. I know, I found shade by the trailer and watched them a bit. Such fun on an All-American 4th of July.
Well, the day ended with the longest display of fireworks in Nevada. At least that’s what I’ve been told.
Sitting in the desert, surrounded by sage brush and tumbleweeds, with Venus shining over head, MM and I watched the desert sky change from an orange sunset to a deep blue-black night. Sitting with him, while listening the soft sounds of families waiting with us for the show to begin, my heart was full of so many feelings.
I’m so blessed with our friendship, almost one year old. I’m so lucky to have found a wonderful family with which to spend time. My heart is truly happy for the first time in a very, very long time. A moment of peace in life that I cherish as time ticks away. Life is truly beautiful as I enjoy “right now”.
I’m so very grateful to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. My land, now. After nine years, I’m as Nevadan as they come. A desert gal. I don’t long for the vineyard tendrils of my long ago life, or the misty air of a Pacific beach. A beautiful desert evening in the most wonderful country in the world will do me just fine.
Whatever you do today, think about the richness of our American way of life. Not the new stories people are trying to make into historical reality, but the real history of our country and what it took to build it. Pioneers had no privilege when they settled the west. Until you have seen the west, you cannot begin to imagine the hardships they endured. It’s summer. Maybe it’s time for a road trip. The West will change you, I promise.
More tomorrow.