Published: July 05, 2007 02:29 pm         

A Fabulous Fourth

Residents brave sporadic rain to celebrate America's birthday

PALESTINE — Local residents braved a day of intermittent rain showers and humidity to celebrate an Old Timey Fourth of July in Old Town Palestine and at the Disabled American Veterans Hall Wednesday.

The days’ festivities kicked off at the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce as area children donned their red, white and blue attire and decorated their wagons, bikes and strollers for the annual children’s parade downtown.

“We were very pleased with the turnout for the parade,” chamber director Kathi Masonheimer said Wednesday. “There were more participants than last year.

After the parade, participants and their families made their way to Old Town Palestine for free hot dogs and snow cones and a bounce house for the kids – all provided by Ben E. Keith.

“We are so grateful to Ben E. Keith for the donations,” Masonheimer said. “And despite worries about the weather, everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

“We really hope to see this event continue to grow.”

Across town, the grounds of the DAV Hall were bustling with activity as well. A fish fry, a cake walk, games for kids and musical entertainment provided by several local groups kept crowds entertained and active.

“Everything has been wonderful,” said Alterra Sterling House activity director Debbie Wesson, one of the organizers of the event. “We have had a good turnout and are really proud that things have gone so well.”

But the highlight of the DAV event was BARC, The Humane Society’s pet contest, where folks came out with their canine friends to win numerous prizes in categories such as biggest dog, longest ears, cutest bark and a dog-owner look alike contest.

“This is the first pet show we have sponsored in several years,” BARC, The Humane Society board member Brenda Beazley said. “We had a lot of participants, and one our dogs was adopted.

“It was really a lot of fun.”

Sterling House residents Wynelle Patton and Mary Alley reported having a great time at the DAV’s celebration as well.

“I loved everything about it,” Patton said. “We were told we would have a good time if we came, and we really did.”

“It was really exciting to see the community come out and support the DAV in this way,” Alley added. “It was an enjoyable event.”

DAV Life Member Gordon Brett said that all proceeds from the Fourth of July celebration – including several raffles and a silent auction – would benefit the DAV’s van fund.

“While we have already purchased the first van, we will continue to raise funds for the next one,” he said. “Because we put so many miles on the van, it will have to be replaced every couple of years.

“We really want to thank the Humane Society, the Chamber of Commerce and Alterra for all the support and publicity provided to bring people out today,” he added. “The success of this event would not be possible without them.”

The day concluded with the City of Palestine’s annual fireworks show at Story Elementary School. The show was put on by Lone Star Fireworks, with local radio station KYYK 98.3 FM broadcasting simultaneously with the fireworks.

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Mary Rainwater may be reached via e-mail at mrainwater@palestineherald.com

     

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