Fourth of July in a small community takes on various forms. Cities nearby offer concerts, festivals, and fireworks on a grand scale. But in a small community where money is scarce it is stay at home, bar-be-que in the backyard, or join with neihghbors to shoot off fireworks.
In this small community the only church offered free food, games, and fireworks. This was the first time that the church had tried a community picnic on this large scale. The announcement was put in several papers (mostly the free handout kind).
The results were amazing for a first effort to pull a community together for a family fun night. The word FREE caught the eye of some of course, the fact that it was close at home, and a family event made it important to others. The results were families with at least three generations in the groups put their lawn chairs out, ate, drank sodas, and chatted. The fireworks were donated by a man who owned a stand last year.... he just gave them to the fire department here, and the church bought some as well.
The last cars were leaving about 11 or so. Friends sat on our front porch across from the church. It was a good evening. Lots of games for the kids, lots of talk for the adults, food and drink for everyone, and a great fireworks display. Of course there were two firemen in attendance with a fire truck and a paramedic as well.
The general conclusion was "let's do this again next year."
1 comment:
Felt like I was sitting on your front porch with you! Thanks for sharing the small town experience. Wow, can't believe that fella donated the fireworks! That's hospitality at it's best, eh?
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