Despite the warm temperatures and the cancellation of the Freedom Festival in Big Lake for July 2,  people still came out to enjoy time at the beach and some fireworks. The decision came recently to cancel the event due to issues of liability and possible violation of the governor’s order regarding outside gatherings. 

Plenty of sunshine, bbq’s and  kids playing in the water echoed through Lakeside Park  last Thursday.  It was a welcoming sight to see and hear before the fourth of July fireworks started.  As this writer walked around enjoying the sites,  I stopped to talk with some people about the upcoming fourth of July and what the day means to them.

When I asked Peggy Reagan, of Big Lake, “What will the fourth of July look like this year for you?” She replied, “ It will be peaceful and quiet.”

I posed my next question, “ What does the fourth of July mean to you?”  “Fireworks, get-togethers. A good way to celebrate freedom.” 

Sounds nice.

I walked along the beach and came across the Grafritz family. Steve, his wife Julie, daughter Emma and sons, Ethan and Elliot came out and got a good spot to watch the fireworks.  I asked them the same questions. What does the fourth of July look like for you this year?

“Nothing going on to really celebrate, but we’ll get some fireworks in town,” Steve replied. 

I asked, what does this holiday mean to you?   

“Every other year it means freedom. I understand the concern with the virus out there, but it seems as though freedom has been taken away from us.” 

Julie expressed her thoughts, “ I know a lot of liberties are gone. Even at my job, all the security I have to go through, two check points just to go to work. But that is what happens in the medical field.”

Talking with their daughter Emma, 14, she told me that she likes the history of the United States, the flag and the national anthem. These are the things that she thinks about on the fourth, especially after traveling to New York and Washington D.C. last summer.

And lastly, Ethan, 12, said,  “The fourth means enjoying  the fireworks and hanging out.” 

Interesting perspectives and fun.

Paul Seefeld, a veteran and commander at the Big Lake American Legion Post in Big Lake shared his thoughts on the fourth of July. When asked what the fourth of July means to him, he said, “I almost tear up every fourth, I love it! I think we need to exercise our freedom in order to keep them.” 

Heartfelt and thought-provoking.

Earlier throughout the day, explosions were heard on the hour for wind checks in Big Lake before the fireworks show at 10 p.m. from the BLHS football field.  Living over on the west side of Big Lake was a great place to watch the colorful display.  Continuous booms, one right after the other, lighting up the sky. It was quite the show even with the mosquitoes out in force.

I know there were others around the lakes joining in on the fireworks celebration - thank you! The night ended on a good note, looking forward to what the fourth would be like this year amidst all the changes.

Yards, houses and boats were all decorated with flags and red, white and blue. The patriotic spirit was alive and well this fourth around Big Lake.

The past few years I have noticed a man that runs around the lake carrying a big flag. He runs tall and at a good pace, holding the flag pole upright with great purpose. The flag blowing in the wind, a sight I just can’t forget.

The boat parade started at two as they made their way around Big Lake. Leading them off was the BLPD boat. Some very elaborate boat decorations and people going by, waving and celebrating Independence Day in style. Bruce Springsteen’s  Born in the USA rang out as the theme song. 

Couldn’t have picked a better tune for this parade. 

The beach at Lakeside Park was packed.  Sunshine and heat accompanied all those who came to celebrate! Screened tents, hammocks, music,  grills and picnic tables aligned with food,  made for a nice backdrop to this summer day.

More fireworks rang out in the evening around the lake. Humid temperatures and hungry mosquitoes did not keep people indoors. The almost full moon added to the night sky and celebration.

For the most part, this fourth of July seemed like any other and did not reflect some of the current challenges facing us. It was a nice break,  if only for a day.   

America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood,  From sea to shining sea!