The Gourmet Review

July 4th is here. Friends and family gather from all over the country – New York, Los Angeles, Nevada, Florida and the Pacific Northwest. The day starts early, with kids getting excited about the parade. Everyone rushes to be on time for the tugboat ride to a little city in Blaine, Washington. It’s an old fashioned celebration, as small  town as it gets.

Courtesy David Wells

We’ve signed the kids up for the parade. It’s open to everyone. You just need to register first thing in the morning, pick up your parade number, and then be ready for the big event that starts at noon.

Courtesy David Wells

Everyone is dressed in patriotic colors. Each year, the kids make their own “costumes”. One of the moms oversee a tie dye project, so red, white and blue tee shirts are proudly worn by all. Of course, every child has a bucket filled with candy to throw at bystanders lining the sidewalks of the 5 block parade.

Courtesy David Wells

Even the older generation is decked to the nines while riding on floats and  waving flags.

Courtesy David Wells

Everyone comes from miles around, including the local high school marching band, cheerleaders,  fire truck (that’s the city’s only fire truck), ambulance, the local hardware store’s float, complete with relatives and dogs sitting on haystacks, and everyone waving to the crowd. The list goes on and on, as over two hundred entrants march down the parade route.

Courtesy David Wells

The candy never lasts as long as it should. So many  children are waving at our kids to get candy, that no matter the best of intentions, the buckets are empty too soon.

Courtesy David Wells

Uh oh. No more candy. So, with empty buckets on heads and lots of smiles, enthusiastic waves substitute for candy.

Courtesy Sienna's Daddy

After the parade, there is every kind of ice cream, hot dog, slushies, hamburgers, gyros, flavored ices and cotton candy. Of course, what is a local celebration without deep friend twinkies, Mars bars and kettle corn. Must admit, I need to skip the deep fried candy bars.

Courtesy David Wells

Then its off to the pony rides,  face painting, antique car displays and games galore.

Courtesy David Wells

When everyone is thoroughly exhausted,  it’s a short ride back for a brief respite, before heading to the beach and a big bonfire with smores.

The Gourmet Review

We watch the sun  go down across the water. Then it’s off for the barbecue and  fireworks.  It’s been the perfect ending to a great holiday. Happy 4th everyone!