Happy July 4th! Our Airbnb is close to town, so we walked over to the main drag that would host the parade. We were early - but folks were already claiming their spots along the road.
We didn't have any folding chairs so we walked over to the marina and passed some time just wandering their docks. Large marina that looks very active. I'd say more power boats than we're used to at home....absolutely zero sailing catamarans. Amazingly, several Hunter sailboats....they're a long way from home as I believe they were made in Florida and aren't considered "blue water" ocean-going boats by many.
The sides of the street was packed awaiting the start of the parade.
Grand Marshall car, of course!
Lots of small-town "floats".
I was a member of 4-H in my teens. I didn't realize it was still around.
Some fun displays!
My favorite - the University of Washington Marching Band. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the street for a full view.
After the parade, everyone would proceed to the nearby fairgrounds. This band would be playing later in the day there.
And the Keith Highlanders Pipe band was also a treat both at the parade and later at the fairgrounds. (Apparently there were Scottish settlers here in the late 1800's...)
After the loooonnnng parade was over, we headed on foot over to the fairgrounds. Good family fun!!!
After grabbing a yummy chicken/artichoke pizza slice from a local food vendor, we listened to a local celebrity give a talk about the "Pig Wars" - true story about a standoff between British and American forces in the 1800's that started with a pig being shot....
Lots of folks that marched in the parade were in attendance, still in costume.
The bag pipers were added entertainment.
There was also good fun for the kids...a sack race.
And an old fashioned cake walk. Instead of chairs like I remember, they had numbers on the ground. Good idea. Fun to see the young lady's reaction at the end when she wins.
With all those festivities done, we wandered back the mile or so towards our Airbnb. On the way was a tractor exhibit so that was a fun little side-bar.
After a nap and dinner, we headed out at 10PM towards the harbour for the fireworks show. The sun was still setting at 10:15PM.....we snagged a really good spot on the hill above the harbour.
The fireworks show did not disappoint.
I won't bore you with photos....but they really were nicely done.
Great July 4th!
What a good old fashioned fun day! Thanks for the pics and videos. Really enjoyed them. Tom and Janet
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