Flash Facts: Celebrate [Write4Ten]

The word prompt today for Write 4 Ten was celebrate. Here is my ten minutes....today I chose to write about a memory since the rules allow for fact OR fiction.

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Celebrate [Write4Ten]

Growing up in a small New England town, the fourth of July was a three day celebration. The parade was started out the police cars and fire trucks, sirens blasting. They were followed by floats designed and built by various organizations and local groups. Interspersed among the floats were marching bands, American Legion members, Scout troops and the always fun Shriner clowns.

My family, waiting for the parade to start

The events of the first day culminated in a bonfire with an old jalopy on top while the second was the biggest with a huge fireworks display. The highlight of the fireworks was a battleship fight with the "enemy" ship going down and in flames and an American flag being displayed.

During the day there were pet shows, doll carriage contests and other events as well as a carnival with a midway full of rides, games of chance, food vendors - I can smell the cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apples and hot dogs. Three days of Ferris wheels, Tilt-a-Whirls, Merry-go-rounds and more.

As a child, this is what I remember. As an adult, I'm happy to report that my hometown is doing all it can to carry on the tradition of a multi-day celebration. Now new generations will have memories, too.