Hot weather doesn't deter July 4th celebrations around the county
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Steve Edwards
Competition was fierce at the annual July 4th Races in Chinook. Various competitions for one year-olds to "59 and over" were staged mid-morning at Meadowlark School.
A typical warm and somewhat breezy July 4th made for good conditions for several local celebrations around Blaine County. There were family gatherings as well as more organized community-based events.
In Chinook at mid-morning of the 4th, the 71st edition of the July 4th Races, put on by the VFW, did not disappoint. There was a good turnout as youngsters, and oldsters, battled for prize money and bragging rights. Local VFW Commander Ray Reid said he was pleased with the turnout and the weather. Judge Perry Miller, and crew of volunteers, did a nice job keeping the event moving and the competitions exciting.
At lunch time two groups of seniors congregated for picnic/potluck events. At the Grande Villa residents pooled their favorite 'picnic' dishes to share lunch and fellowship-in the cool of the recreation room. Across the street, at the Senior Center, potluck and cards were the draw. Playing cards in an air-conditioned place had a certain appeal after a hearty lunch. The day was capped with a fireworks display set up on the west side of town.
Over on the east side of the county, at 4pm, Harlem kicked off its annual parade followed by a potluck/barbeque picnic in the city park. A group from three churches in South Carolina, who are holding a sports camp in Harlem, Hayes and the Agency, joined the parade to throw some candy and add a few new faces to the parade lineup. As always, the crew from the Harlem Civic Association organized a great parade, prepared great dogs and burgers and oversaw a very nice picnic gathering. There were also gatherings in Hays, with traditional and modern competitions as well as fireworks in the evening. Turner also had a community get together.
