I am sorry for the long time I have taken to post this entry.  Between health issues family obligations, computer troubles and power outages it’s a wonder I manage to post at all.

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The Parade Begins

I was raised to Salute the Flag of Our Nation and respect Veterans, to sing our Anthem proudly and to say our Pledge ‘One Nation Under God.’ My father signed up with the Utah National Guard when he was 17 and stayed in till they discharged him at retirement age. I am proud of my father and it’s because of him that Independence Day means so much to me.

I may live in Salt Lake County, but I was born in Tooele County.  In Tooele County the biggest July 4th celebration is in the Town of Grantsville.  My oldest sister has lived in Grantsville for the last 20 plus years. She has a nice yard where we pitch our tents when my husband has the time off around the Holiday. It’s best to camp starting on the night of the 3rd. This allows you to get a good seat for the parade. They line up everyone for the parade right in front of my sister’s house.  This means that you have to go further down the route to get a good seat.

Truck 2 of 2 carrying Veterans and their Families.

May Father is in the back of this truck but from my angle you can only see his Veterans of Foreign Wars Garrison Cap. I wish I had gotten a better picture.

Pretty Ladies on a float.

Junior Princesses in a fancy blue convertable.

Beauty Pagent winners have been a part of the American Parade for a long time. When I was a little girl I wanted to be one, but as an adult I am glad I never was. I have found my way into the parade in more simple ways. I was in it with my clog dancing class and then I was in the Tooele Junior High Marching Band.

Fire Engine

Mountain West Medical Center Ambulance

Tooele County is home to the Utah Fire Museum and some of the still working engines will be part of the parade along with the modern ones still in service. If you are feeling ill this Ambulance will get you to the hospital, but if I needed a doctor while in Tooele I would go to Salt Lake City.

My blue haired BedBug waiting for candy.

children scrambling for taffy.

Not all towns allow candy to be thrown any more but Grantsville does.  I think candy needs to come with every parade.  My reasons are a little selfish, I like to watch my children be children.

the Stansbury and Grantsville youths who are training for military service

Even though there is a war on our Nation still has young men and women who will stand up as her defenders.

Support our Troops Float

Without our Troops we would still be paying tribute to England.  They serve our country on pay checks that barely keep a man alive and go into places where angels fear to tread. They are the everymen of our Country. They are the ones who are true heroes.

Horse and Cart

Navy Horse

Grantsville Horse Club

A Parade needs horses. horses are beautiful creatures and when gently treated very good companions.  I admire the man standing on the horse’s back. that takes trust and courage.

John Deere

Just in case you did not know Grantsville is farm country.

The next event after the parade is the car and craft show in the Grantsville park.  I managed to get some nice pictures of cars but not of the craft show as I was far too sore from walking.

Yellow Sports Car

As I entered the park this was the first car I came upon.

Something Fast and Red

I don’t know much about car names but I know what looks good.

Black Viper

Some cars have reputations to uphold.

Yellow Viper

Some cars are Like a flame to a moth.  My Dear Floyd was rather fond of this one.

Something from Way Back When

Some cars are so old it’s amazing they run.

The car with the most detail shot 1

The car with the most detail shot 2

The car with the most detail shot 3

The car with the most detail shot 4

Some people put huge amounts of effort into their cars.  Of course I put huge amounts of efforts in my hobbies as well.

Something to be proud of.

This classic makes me think of the Back to the Future Movies.

When time was simpler.

Life had it’s pleasures.

The owner of this car knows that our past is important.

Flames make it look good.

Like I said before I know what looks good.

Little Yellow Sweet

This is the last car I got a picture of before having to leave.  The food vendors were not taking credit cards. The family needed something to keep going till Grandpa’s dutch oven ribs were ready, and as I said before I was very sore from walking.

My Niece being herself with my oldest son in the background.

When we got back to my sisters after having lunch there was a water fight involving everyone from my 4 year old Grand Nephew to my Brother in Law Ed.  It sure felt good to cool off. Then dutch oven ribs, corn on the cob, coleslaw, ambrosia and cherry cobbler for dinner. At dusk we found a good spot about a half mile from the park to watch the Gransville City Fireworks Display. The display was wonderful but in years past when I have watched it from closer some family members have been hit by falling debris. Mostly just large chunks of cardboard.

Now we come to the point where the holiday became less fun.  The TNT fireworks we bought for our own use were less than dynamite.  They lasted shorter times than in years past even though we paid the same price.  The company cutting back on chemicals to save money will likely find the cuts cost them customers.  After being disappointed by the TNT fireworks it was decided to dowse the fireworks with liter fluid and watch them burn.  The small fire this made at the end of the driveway was much more entertaining.  At least until the rain started and put it out. At this point I made a mad dash for my tent where I spent the rest of the night curled up with my husband for warmth.

From The Poet’s Mouth,

Lyda Mae Dameron

You can contact The Poet and her friends by e-mailing (ravendove922@yahoo.com)