But then the long (or maybe short?) arm of the law would come and get you.... 
Posted on 07/03/2004 1:45:40 PM PDT by Mike Darancette
What are your favorite small town Independence Day celebrations and why.
1. Kanab Utah - Firework Show in Red Rock Canyon.
2. Bridgeport CA - Patriotic Speeches and Basque Picnic.
Pataskala Ohio....because it's home....
Briston, R.I.
Great parade, *convivial* atmosphere!!
Sheboygan, WI, because absolutely everyone is frying brats.
Bristol, Vermont, because of the annual July 4th outhouse race they have there.
Actually, I didn't see it listed in the paper this year - I wonder if they've discontinued it. If so, that's a bummer - it was hilarious.
Then they had a good parade and barbecue afterwards.
LQ
Big Bear Lake , Calif. Fireworks on the lake and a neat BBQ at the Community church first.The best in the WEST!!!!
Not only can you watch the fireworks around beautiful Beaver Stadium, but you can scout out tailgate spots for the upcoming (SUCCESSFUL) football season!
Wrangell, Alaska.
No way to describe it, you have to experience it.
Good idea. There's a bunch of brats in my neighboroohd I wouldn't mind putting over a fire pit.
But then the long (or maybe short?) arm of the law would come and get you....
http://www.libertybythelake.com
It's a small, struggling steel town with 3 coal and 2 nuclear powered reactors. Before the parade started, my wife and I walked up to the local convenience store for a cup of coffee. As we reached the other corner of the street, a young boy, maybe 8, handed us small wooden patriotic pins from a pail he had by his feet. He and his mother were just doing it because they wanted to.
Both sides of the street were lined for a couple of miles. When the Vietnam and Korean vets came by, the applause was sincere and enthusiastic. One Vietnam vet gave me a simple nod when we made eye contact. That nod carried more of a message than any speech Kerry will ever make in his life.
High school and volunteer fireman bands kept up the patriotic themes.
The politicians were there. The horse riders. The usual mini-cars, motorcycles, dozens upon dozen of sports cars and classics. And fire trucks. At least 40 of all sizes, shapes and color schemes.
After the two hour procession, there were fair rides and hot dogs in the park. A bandstand busting with bunting stood waiting for the speakers. Unfortunately, we had to leave before that occured.
This is my second trip to that town for this event since I moved to PA. I've never seen its like in other places I've lived.
Film that, Mr. Moore.
What the heck is that? A budget cut?
My house: watching the History Channel.
Steeleville Illinois, this year it will run from Friday night to Monday, all the local high school marching bands from around the county and even some from other counties. When I was a kid, Chester High was one of the top in the state for marching bands. Bridgette, is the Chester High band still great?
Creswell, Oregon fourth parade and picnic in the park! of course im biased since I live here but its one of few remaining fourth parades left in the state. the flags are on every street corner and the bunting is everywhere. people come for miles around to this parade. my kids are usually in the parade but this year i messed up and promised to teach sunday school and so we will miss the parade this year:( but there is always next year.
OK... Huntington Beach is not a "small town", but the festivities sure have that "small town" feel:
- Community Pancake Breakfast
- Family 5K Run (including stroller races)
- Largest 4th of July Parade west of the Mississippi River (this year is the 100th Parade in Huntington Beach)
- Kids Festival on Main Street in downtown all day
- Fireworks show on the beach - fireworks fired off two barges off the coast
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