Gee . . . I’ve sure missed meeting you here.
I just haven’t been able to “get my blog on” lately.
Too much — and not enough — going on.
But today is the perfect time to say Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans. There is so much for which to be thankful, and being silent about that simply is not an option.
When last we met, I told you about a long-awaited dream come true and the dedication of Mossy Creek Station, a festival park in my small town’s historic district. Step One in revitalizing our once-bustling downtown.
In the last two months, the park’s been hopping with “first time ever” events.
2 of 5 outdoor movies so far . . .
3 of 5 fun concerts
And today we hosted the first 4th of July Celebration at Mossy Creek Station.
When I woke up this morning, there was an 80% chance of rain today. Yikes!
But by 9:30, the radar looked hopeful.
A break in the rain was coming!
The show would go on!
Crafts and face painting for the kids
Live music — and impromptu dancing. Love that!
And a small-town parade . . .
Even a local nursing home got in on the festivities with a bus load full of patriotic residents!
But these people? They are some of the members of Mossy Creek Foundation. What an honor to work with them to make this day happen!
The best part of the day was seeing a community coming together.
Mossy Creek Station: the hottest memory-making place in town!
Even our “mascot” the train passed through town just before the parade began. Woo woo!
For a few rain-free hours, there were music, laughter, smiles, friends (old and new!) and a community focused on a common vision rather than its differences.
Uncle Sam and I were very pleased!
Frank Brown (aka Uncle Sam) is in his 70s and full of energy. Every year he lines up the parade participants — then brings up the rear. If you don’t remember him, click on the picture to read my last post. He’s a jewel in our community!
How did you spend your 4th of July?
I hope it was a great one!
Love it! What a great feeling you must have to be bringing your town back to life. Seeing Uncle Sam get down and boogie is priceless … post it on YouTube (first figuring out how to make some money for the town from it), and it could easily go viral. Our country could use some light-hearted fun right now.
We spent our 4th of July in Marietta Square, watching the parade, listening to music, eating popsicles, and just enjoying small-town red, white, and blue things. I’m sure Marietta’s celebration started small like Mossy Creek Station, and now huge crowds of people show up every year.
Hi Susan!
Very cool celebration there in Jeff city! Thanks for sharing! We had low key celebration grilling steaks on our back porch with kids and grands! We started early and they were all off to put little ones to bed by 8 and my husband and I enjoyed a quiet evening watching that AMC miniseries Turn ( Washingtons spies) on Netflix! How is the farmhouse coming????