4th.

There is something about home town parades that brings a community together. On the morning of the fourth an old time version of the Star Spangled banner was blaring from the outdated sound system at Huntsville park. The anthem’s melody mingled with voices greeting each other and squeals of excited children eagerly anticipating the day’s festivities.  Local men dressed in aprons cooked pancakes and sausage on large griddles. The breakfast smells mingled with smell of dewy grass and pine trees. The hum of the park coming alive kept tune with the distinct clip clop beat of horse hooves walking on asphalt. Young girls, with dreams of rodeo queens (wearing cowgirl hats a size too big), were guiding  horses toward the parade route. Followed quickly behind a young man riding barefoot on an undecorated lawn mower. Children, dressed in red, white and blue, were chasing each other across the park lawn in an impromptu game of tag while their families were scurrying to set up carnival games. Not far from me, Veterans in Uniform, were taking great care in discussing last minute details in preparation for the morning flag ceremony. It was a scene out of a movie and I had the feeling that all was right in the world.  There are some things that large scale and big money productions can’t manufacture…...the charm and reverie of a traditional small town fourth of July celebration. Here are some photos of my Favorite day of the year.