Celebrating Our Independence

Downtown Roxton came alive on July 3 in celebration of the 245th year of the United States’ Independence from Great Britain. Canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, this year’s celebration marked the 45th since the Roxton Ex- Students Association initiated the event in 1975. As has been normal over the years, when July 4 falls on a Sunday, the celebration was held a day early. As has been the tradition, festivities began at 10:00 am with a parade beginning at the former school grounds and continuing through downtown (southbound and northbound). Parade participants primary traveled in vehicles and other forms of transportation along the route this year. With the exception of the six-foot tall fellow continuously falling off and repositioning his toddler-sized four-jeep while being towed by a full-size jeep, nary a pedestrian was to be seen. A few bicycles did participate as did a couple of riders on horseback. The remainder of the parade was made of up the traditional emergency response vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles ranging from jeeps to cars to — well — four-wheelers. One lone tractor also followed the parade route. In total nearly 50 vehicles of various sorts were counted, with occupants totaling about 120. Of course, they were greatly outnumbered by spectators along the route, primarily lined on both sides of Front Street. We didn’t get an accurate count of spectators or their vehicles but suffice to say, several hundred watched the parade and ranged in age from infants to the most senior of Roxton’s senior citizens. Larkin fireworks sponsored the float contest, and the $100 grand prize was awarded to Kalyl, Rachel, and Ensley McGuire. Immediately following the parade, the annual games began south of the downtown pavilion. Many participants and spectators stayed around for the competition which, as always, included the terrapin races, egg toss, and water balloon toss. Following the games, festivities paused as Roxtonites and those from other communities retired to their homes or to private celebrations across the county. When dark-thirty arrived, however, the sky just south of Roxton burst with a fireworks display that several Facebook users noted was tremendous. No doubt after a year of canceled events in Roxton, people were ready to celebrate! In fact, after the official festivities ended about 10 pm, private fireworks could be heard across town well into the night and wee hours of the morning. They continued on July 4, although far fewer than the previous night. Numerous photos of festivities, including the winners of the games, are spread throughout this issue of the Progress. Oh! Suffice to say, “a good time was had by all!” MORE INDEPENDENCE DAY PHOTOS INSIDE