By: Katherine Trowbridge & Lety Guzman
America’s Independence was celebrated July 4th with what guests stated was one of the best parades in Basin City’s history. Rd 170 was lined from one end to the other on both sides with American Flags and eager parade goers, some came armed with fire hoses, squirt guns and water balloons.
The crowd was decked out in their best red, white, and blue - it was a toss-up who wore it better between parade entries and parade goers.
Kids had mixed opinions on the best parts between the candy and the water balloons.
The best part for many was getting fresh orchard fruit handed to them by the Rowley Hawkins family. A new addition that had the crowd wondering and kids dancing in the street was the “foam cannon” that shot out foamy bubbles into the crowd.
Ice cream from Davidson Dairy is a tradition that continued along with the big water war with the firetrucks. Other entrants included area businesses, local farms, and agribusinesses. The community float followed the Franklin County Sheriff's and Freedom Rodeo Riders/Royalty which led the parade.
The day began with a new tradition as firefighters served guests breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage at the Basin City Firehall. The afternoon featured a matinee rodeo as contestants competed in day two of the Freedom Rodeo's PRCA events where local volunteer first responders were recognized.
The annual Greater Connell Area Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Extravaganza concluded the day's events with some big, beautiful fireworks but as guests commented, “Went out with a bit of whimper” as there was no grand finale to the display.
