Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon hours. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..
Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
Believe it or not, we’ve nearly logged half of 2022 into the history books. But today I’m not dwelling on time past. I’m looking ahead — to the coming Fourth of July weekend.
Each year, there are consistent signs that remind us that the Fourth is drawing near:
• Red, white, and blue t-shirts, swim trunks, paper plates, tablecloths, and more grace the shelves of stores.
• Patriotic wreaths appear on doors.
• American flags wave from porches.
• Gas prices increase — though, this year, it would be a lovely birthday present to the country to again tap our own resources.
• Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” makes the airwaves a little more often.
• The number of picnics uptick daily.
• Booms and bangs of early fireworks rumble in the night.
If someone misses the coming and going of the Fourth of July, he or she doesn’t live in the United States.
More than any other summer day, I want the sun to dance across my cheeks and wake me on the Fourth. But if rain overtakes the sun — and it has — I celebrate anyway. A little rain should not dampen the importance of our country’s Independence Day.
Families and friends commemorate the holiday with various traditions. Some spend the day aboard a boat on a lake, river, or ocean. It’s a weeklong celebration at the beach for others.
I’m all about a good old-fashioned picnic with family and friends. I credit my Fourth of July custom to my Aunt Genevieve, the one for whom I was named.
My Aunt Genevieve and Uncle John lived on Main Street in Fairview, West Virginia. Fairview isn’t well known outside of West Virginia.
Sculptor Maggie McCurdy hailed from there. Former West Virginia Secretary of State and onetime Mountaineer mascot Natalie Tennant spent her childhood on a farm in Fairview. Alabama football coach Nick Saban grew up about 12 miles from Fairview — in Monongah. Does that count?
What I love about Fairview is its passion for the Fourth of July. Fairview’s Independence Day celebration was and is what the town website says: “…real, old-fashioned family summer fun…”
The curb in front of my aunt and uncle’s house on Main Street was the best seat in town to eat homemade ice cream and watch the Grand Parade. I’m sure it still is.
Fairview’s all-day celebration now features a 5K, the Grand Parade (of course), a community band concert, a cake walk and contests for all ages, a featured band, and fireworks. Oh, and if the fourth falls on a Sunday, the celebration happens on the 3rd.
Not a problem this year. Independence Day 2022 is Monday.
Though I haven’t visited Fairview for the Fourth in several years, I continue to enjoy a similar “old-fashioned” celebration with family and friends at a tiny lake in Harrison County. I laugh watching the kids compete in swim races and water games.
I eat fried chicken, scalloped potatoes, hot dogs, and my share of pie and Dirt dessert (and fast on the 5th). Land games for all ages follow the picnic. Sack and three-legged races, tug-of-war, and the egg toss to name a few.
We finish up with my favorite part — watching fireworks light up the sky and reflect on the water on what I hope will be a sultry summer night. Afterward, fireflies will follow me back to my castle in the woods.
Independence Day is a key holiday. America would not be a reality without the courage of those who fought for freedom.
It’s not a political, slap on the calendar day. The Fourth of July marks the truth of our Constitution, the law that made this nation great.
That’s why I don’t mind hearing premature fireworks. The booms remind me of the depth of the celebration’s significance.
Email comments and questions to Genny McCutcheon at genrmac@gmail.com.
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