Now that Operation Celebration is in the books, guess what is just around the corner? You got it; the 89th annual July Fourth Celebration in Peabody, Kansas. What a tradition!
Most of the old standby events will be back this year: the parade, flea market in the park, car show, horseshoe contest, dog show, kid’s games, and many others. The official schedule will be out soon.
In the meantime, you can begin planning your family float. Plan to dress up the pony and ride in the parade. Buy a button as soon as they are available and wear it to help raise awareness for the event. If you know someone who might not be able to afford buttons for the whole family, let loose of a little cash and make the purchase for them. Help your grandchild or neighbor child decorate a bike. Send the Fourth Fest Committee a donation to help pay for the grand finale — the Fireworks Extravaganza at the end of the evening.
One thing the Fourth Fest Committee needs every year is volunteers. Call Preston or Lisa Hodges and offer to help a couple of evenings in building set pieces. I have it on good authority that the process is not rocket science and additional hands are always welcome.
The committee also needs people to work the gate, judge some events, and take fliers and posters to other communities. Ask them what they need you to do. I bet they would appreciate the offer.
If you are a business owner, make sure you are trash-free in front of your establishment. Sweep the sidewalk — not into the gutter — into a trash bag and toss it. Wash your windows, take down old sale bills and posters of long-passed events, and remove tape marks. Clean the flyspecks off your displays — better yet, change your displays. Toss in some red, white, and blue decorations.
Fly your flag and do so proudly and correctly. Go online, look up flag etiquette, and find out if you really ought to be covering your front door with the stars and stripes. And while we are on the topic, when the colors go by in the parade, stand, take off your hat if you are wearing one, and put your hand over your heart. It will make you feel good. Honest!
There will probably be more suggestions of how you can help before the Fourth. In the meantime, this should be enough to get you started.
Let’s kick it in gear; the big event is just a month away!
— Susan Marshall