With all the changes brought about by the pandemic, it’s a challenge to find balance. For the first time in most of our lives, we are not able to participate in events we have previously looked forward to each year. This Independence Day, many traditional 4th of July events have canceled nationwide. I expect the majority of them for the first time in their histories.

The festival would traditionally begin several days before the 4th of July, and on the 4th, the day’s festivities kick off with a Children’s Parade. Kids from around the city would decorate their bikes and ride down the main boulevard, followed by a massive display of floats from many of the local businesses, organizations, and foundations. No Cherry Days parade would be complete without appearances by the local royalty, lots of candy dispersed by parade participants, and a roaring flyover of military jets from our local Air Force Base.
The Cherry Days festival includes music, vendors, food, more food, and did I mention food? Each day would feature different event highlights, including announcements of local beauty pageant winners, a car show, a scavenger hunt, a golf tournament, a 5K run, a rodeo, and many other activities. The festival always concluded with an outdoor concert and a grand fireworks display.
It will be strange celebrating the 4th this year without the activities our community has enjoyed for the past 88 years concurrently. But, after doing a little research, I may have discovered a nearby nature trail we can visit together as a family that follows the shores of a local lake.
The questions I have for you are these:
- What are your family traditions for celebrating the 4th of July?
- Will your community holiday events be happening this year?
- How will you be celebrating the 4th of July?
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