It's About Time!
I don't know which is worse, not updating the blog since I brought you Christmas happenings in North Platte, or the fact that no one has complained about it! I suppose it is possible that no one has read this blog since December, but I certainly hope not!
Now, I bring you Independence Day celebrations!
All is still quiet in North Platte, as fireworks do not go on sale within the city limits until June 28th. However, in Sutherland, where I call home, the dogs began cowering in the garage on June 25th as the explosions began.
Sutherland's Independence day celebration begins on July 2nd, with the running of the slack of the annual rodeo. In case you're not familiar with the term "slack", that is an additional performance where all of the "extra" cowboys compete. Often, many more cowboys than there is time for will sign up to compete in a rodeo, and these will perform in the slack. Don't think that you won't see quality performances at a slack, either! Since the 4th of July is known as "Cowboy Christmas" because of the number of rodeos that are scheduled at that time, often very talented athletes will request to compete in the slack so that they can boogie on down the road to squeeze in one more rodeo during that time.
July 3rd will see the first performance of the rodeo, then the real fun begins on the 4th. Kids races are held on the soccer fields, with foot races, three-legged races, sack races, shoe kicks and such. No one goes away a loser, as the organizers treat each contestant to a quarter just for competing! Following the human races, Seifer Farms sponsors the frog races. While most of the competitors are actually toads, a good time is had by all... except for maybe... the frogs!
After the fun and games, there is a beef dinner in the park, followed by a free watermelon feed. Then it's time to get ready for the parade that starts at 2:00. After that, find time to visit with friends and neighbors, light off lots of firecrackers and wait for the rodeo to start at 8:00.
North Platte is home to the area's professional fireworks show that begins at dusk on the 4th at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds.
If rodeo's aren't necessarily your cup of tea, check out the Independence Day celebration at Maranatha Bible Camp in Maxwell. There is Waterskiing & tubing, Kayaks and Canoes, Paddleboats, Sand Volleyball, 100 foot waterslide, Water Trampoline, and a Sweet Shop. No admission except for triathlon participation. Find out more at http://www.maranathacamp.org/ or call 308-582-4513.
There is no better time to feel a part of hometown American life than over the 4th of July. Pick your favorite small town and enjoy the celebration!
