Nobody does it better
I don't know about you, but I am pretty proud of the way Peabody is getting all gussied up for the coming celebration. Decorations are appearing in yards and on porches. Flags and bunting are on display all over town. This really is the best place to be on the Fourth of July!
A group of volunteers from the local Girl Scout troop were pulling weeds and sweeping gutters Sunday afternoon on Walnut — thanks for caring about your community, ladies! City employees are mowing city properties, parks, and public areas. Parking lines, handicap parking logos, and fire lanes have been repainted in the past week. (And what WERE those boys thinking when they headed west on Second Street applying the double yellow line to the Vine Street corner?)
The new concession stand/press box at the park is wired and ready to go for the big event. You won't be able to buy popcorn or coffee, but at least Peabody's most famous master of ceremonies, Brian McDowell, won't be perched on a 20-foot step ladder toting a microphone at the end of an extension cord when he announces the aerial displays and set pieces.
We will have our usual all-day lawn party with the customary cast of characters. I have to admit I am looking forward to it once again. Ever since The Daughters were in college we have hosted an annual invasion of people who are young, bright, and funny, and who remind us not to take things too seriously. Long ago I gave up trying to be the perfect hostess in the perfect house. Once when the plumbing malfunctioned just in time for guests I posted a sign above the toilet instructing them to pour a couple of 32-ounce C-Mart cups of water into the facility as they flushed. I added that their button entitled them to participate in this amusing July Fourth activity at no extra charge. No one ever batted an eye
We will have a float or two in the parade, lots of kick-back hours under the shade trees, bluegrass and country music jam sessions, our usual "tour of Peabody" on a hay-rack with our guests, and enough food to choke a horse. An added attraction this year will be a friend of The Mister's who entertains as an organ grinder with a monkey. He will perform along the parade route in the afternoon and inside the gate at the park in the evening. Can't wait to see how the family dogs handle this new wrinkle!
Hope you are looking forward to the celebration as much as we are. Don't forget to thank the dozens of volunteers who make it happen year after year. Enjoy!
— SUSAN MARSHALL
