Our Independence Day was perfect. Good weather, which means that there were cumulus clouds hiding the sun just enough of the time to keep the temperature cool, and the floats and all were spared while waiting in line for the parade to begin. It is special to see some of our participants arrive; we see them but once a year and most have to drive a distance to make the affair. The ranchers take all the time needed to load up their horses and everything else they need for the trip, and we appreciate them!
We love all the families who decorate their kids bikes and ATVs with all the sparkles and red, white and blue. You know the old saying families that play together, etc. it is a good way to teach them about patriotism, respect for our country and our proud flag, and all kinds of important issues.
We thank Suzy and Larry Steele for donating the use of their pickup to pull the 4 Corners Community Band. And also, thanks go to whomever donated their ATV trailer for the band. What would we do without their band in our parade? No parade should be without a band to fill the air with patriotic music to stir our hearts. By the way, they also presented a mini-concert at the Town Park later; so special.
Carole Rychtarik, our Rico Womens Club organizer and hostess with lots of help was busy with the Craft Faire at the school. Dont miss it next year. There are leaded glass lamp shades, special jewelry, knit items for Christmas gifts, Rico Historical Society notes, knit shirts, and caps. There is stuff for the younger set like vials of minerals and turquoise-pyrite rocks glistening with the gold color. We also have wonderful books relating to our southwest area long, long ago, with some great stories of the way it was here in Rico, as well as framed pictures of our head frames, the R.G.S. water tower down below depot hill, etc.
Ken Hazen and his older brother, Keith, were again for the fifth year (for Keith) in the old 1945 jeep, with Keith decked out in his actual WWII army uniform with its sarge stripes and medals. As we left the Enterprise after lunch there was a young man on the patio who was quite taken by Keiths uniform. The troops did not wear camo uniforms in those days like they do today and Keith looked like a real G.I.!
It was truly a happy time today. Waving your flag and cheering the participants takes ones mind off of some of our hard day-to-day realities that we all encounter, especially during this tedious phase that our dear Country is experiencing at this time.
Schedule for this coming weekend: Saturday, July 7 is the Famous Rico Womens Club Bake Sale at the fire house at 10 a.m. sharp! Paul Moore promises to bring his famous loaves of dill bread. The Craft Faire will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Sunday, July 8: Join us for the Old Timers Reunion and Picnic hosted by the fire department, offering their deep-pit barbecue of beef, turkeys and who knows what all maybe corn on the cob and baked potatoes. Yes! It cooks all night! Please bring a side dish to share, your own flatware if you prefer, and a card table and chairs whatever makes one happy!
Do not forget to bring your ball mitt, band-aids and an elastic wrap for any sprains. We love the annual ball games and even the kids get to play.
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.