I wonder if our Founding Fathers realized what they set into motion as the put their signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Some of the MVPs of a new government were in attendance on that very hot July 4th day. They had labored over that document; the key that would open up the government to the people it governed. I'm sure that no where in their wildest imagination would they have dreamed the celebrations that would commemorate the event for hundreds of years to come.
The Fourth of July is next week Saturday. It's hard to believe that summer has traveled so fast. As I have mentioned in my previous post, Mandan, North Dakota really knows how to celebrate on the Fourth of July.
Mandan plays host to Mandan Rodeo Days. At risk of having my North Dakota heritage stripped from me, I admit that I have never been to the rodeo. July 4th has a reputation for being hot and sticky. I'm a wimp, but sitting on metal bleachers in the grandstands does not sound like a good time to me. I have no other reason for my absence -- I wish them well.
Art in the Park at Dykshoorn Park in Mandan is perhaps in my top two favorite holiday destinations. They feature hundreds of canvas booth stuffed with every sort of craft known to man and beast - ceramics, toys, signs of various sizes, shapes and languages, clothes, furnitures. The park hosts live music every hour for every taste featuring accordians, singers and musicians of all sorts. One of the biggest draws for me is their food vendors (yes, I know - surprise, surprise!). Pizza, chinese food, drumsticks the size of a small child, soups in bread bowls, mini doughnuts, indian tacos, hamburgers and hot dogs are just a short list of heartburn inducing cuisine that can be ingested over the weekend. My favorite are the Greek gyros, lamb if I can get it, topped with cucumber sauce. Amazing. God is truly good!
The parade will be a highlight for me. We are busy in practices as we perfect our songs for the big day. On the 3rd, we will meet at a large shop to assemble our float and pray for the crowd, our group and great weather. The Fourth of July will start early as we check into our staging area and begin the wait until we finally roll out onto the parade route, music blaring to spread the Gospel in our unique way. If you are on the route, give a way or better yet, a shout out!
I'm very excited to serve as guide for my parents this year as they join the thousands pouring into town for the celebration. So many activities, so little time. We'll be sure to take in the fireworks, as they are always breathtaking! I know those displays cost someone thousands of dollars and I want to thank them for their splurge!
The fireworks often remind me of the scripture that talks about how brief our time is here on this side of heaven. Like grass that withers by the end of the day or a vapor in the wind. As I watch the fireworks, I often think that some people live their lives like fireworks - one great shining moment, a loud noise and then they disappear. I like to think of my life as a sparkler; blazing long enough to shine the light and then slowly fading away.
Have a happy 4th of July. Wear sunscreen and give a wave!
3 comments:
I like the parade and the food in the park but can't stand the crowds. The older I get the more I feel like staying home because of crowds.
I would agree that the crowds are not my favorite part of the festivities. Standing in endless lines is also a non-favorite.
I also think Mandan needs to set up some porta-potties on the street corners so people aren't barging into gas stations and food eateries to use the facilities. In many ways, crowds of people are similar to cattle herds.
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