Our Independence Day celebrations are over and well done!
Rico seems to have more and more friends and family returning to this fair town every year. For example, the famous Yellowman Navajo Taco Fest must have served at least a thousand meals this time. The waiting in line was made much easier because for the second year the excellent Four Corners Community Band conducted a fine concert right there in front of the firehouse where the luncheon was served. The band has performed several years for us over the Fourth of July weekend. Not an easy situation when one thinks about it. The band members leave their families to fend for themselves on one of the most important days in our lives. The band members head off for Rico and give their all and, I am sure, return home exhausted and sunburned!
The town was so crowded down at the firehouse that a family became separated from their 10-year-old son and the Rico Fire members began an official search. The young man was found shortly thereafter, but that was scary situation. Imagine such a happening in our little hamlet in the Silver San Juans!
The parade did its business honorably with the color guard from our military friends downriver, including our own Don Swank, who was on one of those boats that kept our soldiers safe by searching the river banks in Vietnam. The parade included the King family, who were residents of this county years ago and were holding a family reunion on the Snyder ranch below Rico; at least 150 family members attended and at least 50 or so marched in the parade lots of kids! The 25 Boy Scouts from Waco, Texas, who are up here at their scout masters home (Dr. Eddie Morrison and Ellie), camping up in the high country and, I am sure, earning lots of badges through their hard work. Those scouts were regimented and straight as an arrow in their marching, along with the adult leaders. Also, Wayne McCarey made a big fuss with his Studebaker. I cannot remember the name of that gorgeous car, or even the year. The thing I do remember is that, in its heyday, it topped 160 mph! We appreciate the Circle K coming again this year. They add exactly what a parade requires! There was another separate little group of riders. I dont know whether they were with the Circle K, but this young boy looked to be aged ten or so. I must commend him on the proper command he showed as he handled his sorrel Tennessee walker!
I have more friends to remember, but for now, we need to get on to other celebrations in town. By the way, the young lady who has been clowning around the parade for a few years is retiring and needs to find a really special someone like her to carry on the duties required of a clown. Please call 967-2162 if interested. This is real, and kind of special.
The fireworks were the best we have seen in years. The firemen and women were doing triple and quad rockets, and we were impressed. Of course, each year when we send our friends and family up there on the mountain to do the fantastic, a lot of prayers go with them because it is a dangerous venture to do what they do best. We received enough precipitation just in the nick of time so that the fire department, as far as I know, did not have to haul the water truck up the hill and soak the mountainside. And, for the first time, there were not multitudes of visitors shooting off their pride and joys 50 or 60 feet into the air, competing with the fire department and sending sparks in dangerous places. We really do appreciate those people for holding back on that problem!
The ball games after the Old Timers Reunion and Picnic were classics. We witnessed a collision midfield. Our friend got the raw end of the deal and walked off with an ice pack on his head. It worried us. The ambulance came on the scene, and a lady responded that I think is a nurse, and with our EMTs, all was under control. One female runner came into home plate and, just for fun, pushed the catcher down and sat on him! We cheered!
Dick and Jo Kline were present at the Old Timers. Dick was born here, and he and Jo are thinking of retiring in a couple of years up in Fort Morgan. Also, Ginger Hinton and company, Kay Crane, Chet Towne, Bill Blake, Pat and Clyde Goodall, and the Anderson (Glasgow) family members; the list goes on, and it is good.
More results of the raffles for those interested (the Rubber Ducky Race, etc.) are coming next week. By the way, the Arts and Crafts Rico Womens Club was better than ever, as only Carole Rycharik can make it happen.
The museum is open. It is good what has happened this winter with historical displays and all that.
Marlene Hazen has lived in Rico for two decades. An active member of the community, she participates in organizations such as the Rico Womens Club and Rico Historical Society.