The 4th in Blanding

Blanding is a small town: 3,500 I think. I bet more than a 1,000 people migrate to Blanding to celebrate the 4th of July. It is a small town that loves its country. There are a slew of activities to celebrate, to name a few: there is the 5K and fun run, a melodrama that is set outdoors. (You can even throw popcorn at the villain and cheer the hero when he is on stage. Even Zac does well with that!) There is diving for dollars at the community pool, swim races, and talent shows. There is boxing, softball, and horseshoe tournaments that play into the wee hours. There is barrel racing up North of town on a local man's land that he shares for the event, and there is a quilt show at the elementary. There was a patriotic program at the high school with a local band, a concert pianist, freelance photographer, cloggers and story tellers, even a vocal quartet. There is a parade, of course, that still throws candy!..lots and lots of cavities, I mean candy! There are booths galore after the parade with turkey legs, snow cones, beef kabobs, navajo tacos, and homemade bread. There are kiddie areas with inflatables and games. Really, if you don't have fun on the Saturday of the 4th, then you just aren't trying! That night there is a band and fire works at dark. These fireworks are incredible, especially for a small town. During the display they play patriotic music, and I just love to listen to Alan Jackson or Toby Keith sing about America and watch those fireworks boom and glow. The sound of the fireworks echos off the mountains and the air is cool despite the time of year because of the day to night temperature swing in the West. The kids are wild with excitement and glow necklaces are draped about their bodies, then they quickly settle in and are captivated by the fireworks with the first boom and "aww".
Aside from the festivities, a lot of Steve's extended family journeys down from northern Utah to celebrate (41 family members that I can count right now). There was a truck load of food (or 2), a snow cone maker, games, balloons, and lots of cousins to play with and grown ups to talk to. The camaraderie, friendship and fun for all is really quite memorable. Steve's dad's side celebrated a family reunion as well.

Anyway, I am proud to be an American. I am glad for our freedoms! God Bless America. I am grateful for the celebration of the 4th in Blanding!




I didn't mention that everyone wears red, white and blue. Bows and toenails are even patriotic. So fun. Thanks to all that made the festivities fun. I didn't get pictures of everything but caught a few.

The picture with Lissa's kids (the first cousins) is fun...each year there is another baby to add. Love it. We may need to graduate from the loveseat soon!