Things are gearing up in our community for the 94th annual July Fourth celebration. Funny how that just sort of happens on its own, you know? Flags and bunting start appearing. Lawns are mowed more frequently as if a weather anomaly might occur just before the holiday, leaving lawns nearly knee-deep in grass — so let us please get everything trimmed right now! Attendance buttons have appeared in local and area businesses. It is time to purchase one for each of your Independence Day guests.

Since the Married Daughter and old What’s His Name are in charge of the parade again this year, I have brand new information on that part of the celebration. Once again, there is no specific theme for the parade. A generally red, white, and blue entry is always good. First prize for best float is $100, second prize is $75, and third prize is $50. In addition, the best-decorated golf cart will score a $50 prize as will the “coolest” kid’s bike, and the best-decorated vintage automobile.

Judges are families or groups along the sidelines, selected at random and assigned a single prize category. The Married Daughter offered up that information just to let the public know that our family is not in the judging business.

A dog show with bow-wow-rated treats will begin at 11 a.m. at Santa Fe Park, sponsored by Peabody American Legion Auxiliary. If you have never attended this event, you might want to wander down to Santa Fe Park and check out the activity. There are some great dogs — and often-charming youngsters — exhibiting wondrous and curious skills.

There will be athletic events such as the volleyball tournament, the 5-kilometer run, and the horseshoe tournament. The flea market at City Park, free swim day at the pool, carnival, Peabody Recreation Commission kid’s games, and parade will make for a full day all over town. The whole shebang will be topped off by the best fireworks show in the state at nightfall.

Please figure out a way to take part in this 94th annual event. The Peabody Fourth Fest committee works hard to create the kind of celebration you, your family, and friends want to see. Several thousand people in other parts of Kansas think so and show up every year for it. Support it, send a check, sign up to work the gate, put a float in the parade, or participate in an event or two. Ninety-four years of doing something means that we haven’t messed up too often.

Be proud of our event and jump right in. Then do it again next year. Have fun.

—susan marshal