Independence Day in small town style

For the Fourth of July this year, my hubby and I visited the beach. Although we live in California's beautiful Central Valley, only a short distance from the waves as the crow flies, we aren't crows. The windy roads that take us through the coastal range between our home and the sea require a half-day's travel and, for me, a scopolamine patch behind my ear.

 We spent the week along the northern California coast and loved it. The weather could not have been more cooperative and the small town Americana celebrations of the holiday made the visit even more memorable

Ft. Bragg, California has a farmers' market every Wednesday afternoon. We watched as streets were closed and the market set up. Then we were among the first to wander through the stalls, examining the produce, the baked goods, and the other wares vendors had for sale. We went home with some delicious bread and berries.


On Thursday, we watched a similar set-up in the community of Mendocino as they prepared to welcome the Fourth of July holiday. The volunteer fire department started the day with selling breakfast burritos. Sometime around eleven o'clock, they switched over to hamburgers. The fund raising went on throughout the day as the fire volunteers fed people and collected funds. Down the street at the local park, another organization roasted hot dogs as its annual fund raiser.

Outside the Masonic Hall, George Washington appeared every hour or so, reading aloud from The Declaration of Independence. Small groups gathered at his feet. The parade began at noon, small town Americana showing off its stars and stripes. For reasons known only to them, the locals scheduled their fireworks for Saturday evening, not Thursday, so we missed that part of the celebration, but by the time we returned home, we felt we had enjoyed the holiday in style.

We've been in different places on the Fourth and we always celebrate. We honor the sacrifices of those who gave us this nation and kept it for us when its independence and peace were threatened. We share in the pride of a peaceful and prosperous homeland. While recognizing its many faults, we celebrate its virtues. Having been present during Bolivia's most recent revolution, I always celebrate the peaceful transfer of power that happens every four or eight years. America isn't perfect, but it's home and I, for one, am grateful to be here.

Susan Aylworth is the author of 18 published novels. Her latest is SUNNY'S SUMMER, a romance set in the Sierra foothills near her northern California home in the aftermath of the devastating #CampFire. She lives with her husband of 49 years, Roger, and one old, arthritic cat. She loves to hear from readers. Find her at www.susanaylworth.com, @SusanAylworth, susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com, or facebook.com/Susan.Aylworth.Author. Also on Pinterest and Instagram.