For more than forty years Hunt County residents have gathered on Park Street at Kavanaugh Methodist Church. It is definitely one of the most successful activities of the year. The event begins at the East End of Park Street and makes its way up Park to the church. Most of the time the street is quiet with a few persons strolling along the sidewalks. The homes are architectural jewels.
But on the Fourth of July, parking places are rare to find, portable chairs line the sidewalks with everyone waiting in anticipation for the parade. Women’s groups drape patriotic banners on the front of the oldest car they can find. Band members usually show up to give a wonderful concert of patriot music as they march down the street. Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts have been known to march or ride in the back of a pick-up truck down the street. At the end of the parade an old car from the 1930s will sputter and spew with chickens hanging on the roof. Those old hens cackle with the crowd.
Then everyone climbs the steps into the church sanctuary in hopes finding a seat. Some come for a seat before the old car putters up to the steps. Every seat is filled, red, white, and blue are the colors of the day. The organist pulls out all the stops for everyone to join in the patriot music. The Masonic Lodge presents the flag; the minister gives a short talk before more music.
As the last song is sung, it’s time to go down a couple of blocks for cold watermelons at Park Street Baptist Church. With the watermelon gone, the crowds heads for home. It’s time for a nap before the Fire Works Show. Sparklers and every other kind for will be out. The Fourth of July has been celebrated like this for many, many years. Every year will have a new spin.
However, most of the South did not celebrate the Fourth of July until the late 1890s. The Fourth of July was a reminder of their loss in the Civil War. Mississippi was the last state to celebrate the colorful event.
Of course, you realize that the Fourth of July noted the signing of the Declaration of Independence the former colonies would win. Let’s keep the wonderful celebrations.