Sunday, July 8, 2012

The fourth was the seventh this year…


There is a longstanding tradition in our neighborhood.  Every Fourth of July we have a large party.  The day starts with a Fishing Derby at 7 am, followed by a Road Race at 8am.  Then at 10 am there is a parade and we all walk down to the beach, sing the national anthem, pass out prizes for Best Float, Best Costume, etc. and get on to field and water games, a raffle and most importantly partying.  It’s a long, fun and tiring day.

When the Fourth is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it is easy to figure out what day to schedule the party and the rain date, but with the Fourth being on a Wednesday this year, the decision was made to have the party on the Seventh.  The weather was not the best.  It was hot and uncomfortably muggy with intermittent rain showers.  But we’ve seen worse.  So while many of us (including yours truly) complained about the weather, we were also glad that we weren’t sitting in mud up to our ankles or despairing when our tents blew away.  In general, it’s always a terrific day getting to see neighbors we don’t get a chance to see often enough, meeting newcomers to the hood and catching up with our old, good friends.

Jimmy Egan, our Grand Marshall!


Winner:  Best Bike Decoration

Winner:  Best Adult Costumes (or lack thereof).  A tribute to the USA Olympic Swim Team.

Winner:  Best Float

Detail of Best Float.  Love those Gatorade fish.

Au courant:  The latest in Fourth of July fashion.

Our adorable raffle helpers, Charla and Emma.

15 comments:

MadSnapper said...

what a fun way to celebrate, everyone looks so happy. great shots, love the boat float

TexWisGirl said...

that is such a cool tradition! glad you could still enjoy the 4th on the 7th! :)

Betty Manousos said...

hi barbara!!

what a beautiful tradition, and your photos are so delightful!

loved this post~

Brian King said...

That's awesome! How fun! I know the middle of the week thing made it difficult for making plans and people didn't get that nice three day weekend.

I love the grand marshal and 'best float' photos! That float is rather ingenious. :-)

Pamela Gordon said...

What a fun tradition! It looks like you had a blast even in the heat. I think it's great to celebrate on a day when most everyone can participate and not have to get up for work the next morning! :)

Shaun said...

Looks like to had a fab time there Barbara. Wish we had something like that to celebrate over here in the UK.
Have a good week
Shaun
July Giveaway @ ValleysshutterBug

Rose said...

What a wonderful tradition! And sounds like so much fun.

MEcoy said...

happy independence day to you

Ida said...

Missed you at this weeks SHS but enjoyed popping in and seeing these fun shots of your 4th. Looks like a great time was had by all.

Ida said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
EG CameraGirl said...

In spite of the heat, it looks like everyone was having a good time. Some were dressed for the weather!

Karen said...

a belated happy 4th to you...or should that be 7th?!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful where alike is possible and happening.

Please have you all a great Tuesday.

daily athens photo

Nicki said...

Sounds, and looks, like a delightfully fun time.

Stratoz said...

Two cheers to the community. What a blessing.