How is it possible that TODAY we are celebrating Independence Day???? Just yesterday, HHH was cooking me a Valentine’s Steak and Lobster Dinner at the coast. Today, we’re off to enjoy a wonderful time celebrating in our home town on the high desert plains of Northwestern Nevada. The fire department has been ready since Monday when they started flying their huge flag off the town’s ladder truck. People are ready to celebrate.
Our town has the longest parade route in the area. At about two miles, it will fill up with everyone from miles around. AS a town of 25,000, we are expecting another 10,000 to join us. People grab their spots early, as HHH and I have already done. Last night, we secured our spot with HHH’s pickup and found the parade route already crowded with RV’s and cars to be left overnight, (which you can do in a small town). With an umbrella for shade, we’ll take folding chairs and enjoy the parade in style. It begins promptly at 10 so we’ll need to be sitting roadside by 9 am to get the very best spot to watch the Mayor stroll by.
With our pickup in just the right spot, we’ll head over to the Masonic Pancake Breakfast to get eggs, bacon, and flap jacks. Everyone needs to start their morning with a full stomach. T After that, we’ll take the car and head down Main Street where the parade will begin with police sirens from the local Sheriff and Nevada Highway Patrol.
The parade dignitaries will be followed by the high school marching band and all the other usual parade participants. I rode in this parade one time. It didn’t go well. That was one of the first times I realized that there are people who enjoy throwing water balloons at those in the parade. Decided, then and there, it was the last time I would willingly ride in a parade anywhere. Now, I realize that in our town, even the fire department with their hoses get involved. Remember, we do live in the wild, wild west.
Any parade wouldn’t be real with the Shriner’s and their little cars. These burly men work tirelessly to raise money for Shrine hospitals around the country. My own granddaughter got her little broken arm fixed at one years ago. Children across the world are helped by the generosity of others.
After a brief time out, there will be an “All-Call” for the Greased pig contest. Don’t worry about the pigs. Last year, they avoided grease (really soap) due to the hot weather. Each pig runs around a fenced area for a maximum of 60 seconds before it is caught. Last years pigs were of the Mangalica breed from Hungary. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was watching mutton busting or greased pig catching. They are just as adorable as this photo.
All this fun will occur at Out of Town Park, as opposed to other festivities that will occur at In Town Park. I love our little high desert town so much!
Of course, there will be fantastic food. I’m going to be ready for Dayton High School Booster’s Pulled Pork Sandwich with home cut curly fries. All this enjoyed while visiting with family and friends. The perfect small town affair.
It will all end up with HHH and I snuggled up together in the back of his Chevy Truck, as we watch the skies overhead light up. We have our favorite spot to watch the show….. The locals always know the best spots.
If we have any energy left, we’ll be off to dance under the stars and return home after midnight.
Whatever you do today, celebrate the Independence of our great nation. Sure, she has been through some tough times in the last few years. Hasn’t the world? She is still the grandest country in the world. The one in which people dream of starting a new life and then do it. Thank goodness my ancestors made it across the Atlantic to Ellis Island to begin their dreams in 1902. I can never thank them enough in my lifetime.
Happy 4th of July!!!! More tomorrow.