Fourth of July, Nappanee style!

The small town of Nappanee, Indiana, had a full schedule of events planned for today, the Fourth of July and the birthday of our country. Happy Birthday, America!  The day started with a charity golf match at the local golf course, but I missed it.  Too early for me.  The golf course is in magnificent shape due to the wet spring, and I surely did miss a good walk!

At eleven, the parade started downtown.  We claimed a good spot on Main St, across from an old bank building, the First National Bank from 1908.

As soon as the parade started, we knew this was not going to be your ordinary parade. The color guard had just turned the first corner when we saw that two cars and a motorhome had somehow gotten into the parade route!

So Mister Policeman (wearing shorts with a uniform shirt and hat) had to stop the parade, escort the offenders from the premises, and start things again.  By this time the color guard was  a 1/4 mile down the street doing their own parade thing! Then the required fire brigade showed up, complete with shiny engines with logos on the doors.

Maybe someone can tell me what a "Smokey Stover" is…

We enjoyed an airplane flyover by two WWII vintage fighters, and an awesome drive by from a Terr-A-Gator.

The parade Queen graced us with her presence and a variety of kids on scooters, lawn mowers and wagons went by.

Just like a Fourth of July Parade!

Later this evening we went to the city park, which is next to the golf course, to watch the Fireworks show. Things had been happening there all day: a scavenger hunt, swimming in the municipal pool, and live music, but we elected to wait until about 10 pm to join the fun.

Yes, it was still light at 10 pm, EDT…..

And then the Fireworks!

My little camera doesn't have the shutter speed to do justice to the show, but let me tell you, it was spectacular!  Each device seemed to explode right over us as we sat on the cool grass on a warm midwestern evening.  The fireflies were doing their thing by the thousands, flying in and around all the people, trying to avoid the children chasing them with outstretched hands. Little kids ohhhing, and ahhhhing, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn filled the air.  What a beautiful celebration for our country!