What will you be doing July Fourth?
Next week's Peabody Gazette-Bulletin will come out a day early to accommodate the July Fourth holiday. Most people won't even get a copy until the day after the big celebration. I decided that if I am going to rustle up my annual harangue about what needs to be done for a proper Independence Day celebration, it had best go into this issue.
We got to the Fourth rather quickly this year, didn't we? I must be getting old. The summer never used to go by so fast. Nonetheless, there are a few things that need to be marked off the list if we are to do our usual good job of hosting this 86th annual celebration.
Oddly enough, doing the fireworks themselves isn't a major issue. There is a very competent crew at work (and they have been on the job for 2007 since there was snow on the ground) planning the awe-inspiring production that keeps thousands of people coming back year after year. I'm pretty sure they have never needed me to remind them that they should get on a schedule and stay with it, so I am going to just move on.
Actually, I believe all the official committees know exactly how to implement their part of the celebration. It is the rest of you I worry about. Not everyone can hang around and watch, you know? Some of you need to participate in something.
So here is where I suggest some of the many ways you can be of help.
First of all write a check and send it to the Fourth Celebration Society. If you can afford $100, great — if you can only afford $10, that is great as well. Every year it costs thousands of dollars to put on that fabulous fireworks show. I believe I heard that last year's celebration cost about $15,000. Donors and sponsors are a big part of the production. Be one.
Think of how many years you have enjoyed the celebration, had family and friends come to Peabody for the festivities, or watched your child or grandchild on a float in the parade. None of that would happen without the celebration. Do something to support it.
Buy your admission buttons early. Not because they are cheaper (they are not), but because they raise awareness. If you buy one and wear it, you will remind others to buy one and wear it. The button will get you into all kinds of events at the park on the Fourth.
When was the last time you rode on a float
Don't have grandchildren? Buy some buttons for the kids whose parents may not be able to afford them. I know a couple who do this very thing for just about every event put on in Peabody. They are connected and caring about people — young and old alike — who cannot afford or don't know how to be a part of our community events. They make sure that buttons or tickets are made available. They provide rides to functions and offer companionship so that no one is left adrift; no one is left sitting alone. You could do that too. This would be a good time to start.
Fly your flag. And, please, be sure it is properly displayed and is not frayed or faded. Please.
And have a safe and happy Independence Day.
— SUSAN MARSHALL
