by Maria Tucker

Created on: May 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 06, 2008

Small towns can pack a big celebration for Independence Day in the United States. Fourth of July celebrations may be put on as a joint effort between area businesses, the Lions club, or other popular organizations. They may even include donations from private citizens. Celebrating Independence Day in a small community promotes patriotism and a closeness which cannot be matched by larger cities.

Businesses may be selling 4th of July celebration buttons weeks in advance. They are usually still available during the celebration day or weekend and can be found by the main activities. These buttons are used to get into events and as in my town to get your chicken dinner. The buttons are also numbered to draw for prizes at the end of the day.

The event planners are busy from the break of dawn, but for the rest of us the 4th of July begins like any other beautiful summer day. Soon, the smell of chicken floats through the air and fills the town's people with thoughts of lunch. Men and women are hard at work in front of hand built charcoal grilling pits that are at least 6 - 8 ft. long. The lunch line begins to form around 10am and becomes steady for a few hours. The chicken dinners are made to go and generally come with a side of potato salad or coleslaw.

Around the same time the Chicken-Q is ending, the parade starts lining up. Veterans march and carry flags. Crowned high school kids wave from pedestals on their floats. Classic cars cruise through the streets. Fire trucks sound their sirens and throw candy to the children on the side lines. One of the fun things about a small town parade are all the people you recognize.

Through out the day there are games of softball and volleyball at the local park. Bingo is played. There may also be car shows and garden tractor pulls. Some towns have live music, flea markets, face painting, and a variety of other fun activities. There is sure to be something for everyone at a small town 4th of July celebration.

After the days events start winding down, people retire to their homes with friends and family to have their own barbecue dinner, a few drinks, and maybe play some games in the yard. Full of food and fun, the time has come to relax and get ready for a spectacular fireworks display. Firework shows generally start at dusk or shortly after. Hundreds of people gather in the show area. Some let off their own fireworks while waiting. When the lights go black you know the big show is about to begin. A series of oohs and ahhs and bursts of light carry on in the night.

Finally, the day is done. Clean up will be left for the next day. As for our 4th of July night, we can just be thankful for our freedoms, family, friends, and good food. Have a safe small town Independence Day celebration!

Learn more about this author, Maria Tucker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.