This 4th of July celebration was different for me. For years, I’ve followed a beaten path: signed on as a vendor, stayed in my 10×10 space and promoted my photographic services. This year I needed a change. Saturday was dedicated to the normal flow of commerce at hand but Sunday was dedicated to meeting and greeting my neighbors. You know… in general… mingling with the troops. With five July 4th celebrations under belt, I forced needed a change. Let me walk you through some of the dynamic action at Oak Harbor’s Old Fashion July 4th celebration.
Despite a bone cold windy day, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce managed to pump some warmth into the day’s events. Ranging from the egg toss, potato sack race to the watermelon and jalapeño eating completions, many memories were made. My hat goes off to the jalapeno winner. Our first place winner ingested sixteen blazing peppers and was still without noticeable trots. My entire digestive tract atrophied after eating only one but there he stood, firm, like a taxpayer demanding his rights.
The hardy aroma of charcoaled barbecue chicken, burgers and franks thickened the air. Flying Frisbees and footballs buzzed through the air and canopied barbecuers dotted most of the green. Many donned winter coats and had blankets choked to their ears; while, the tougher the crowd appeared more comfortable in tee shirt or tank tops. Fly away canopies suggested better attire but let me not judge how mankind should cover its rear.
Well, in my three hours of letting down my hair did I meet my commerce goals? You bet. I fulfilled a request for twenty two business cards, booked one portrait session, sold a couple sets of digital files and accepted invitations to two barbecues. Plus I had a ton of good Old Fashion handshaking and smiling fun.
I have to admit I circumvented the system a bit. My later evening was spent with family on the hillside perch overlooking the Wal-Mart parking lot; locally known as Snob’s Hill. The hills were ablaze with fireworks, pitched canopies and smoking barbecue grills. People of all clans gathered to celebrate while the Star Spangled Banner blared from a distant oversize 4×4. Cameras galore clicked as fireworks exploded. A neighbor questioned why I wasn’t using a flash. Our quest finally ended on the quiet sanctuary of our deck lighting sparklers and watching neighbors send streaks of light bolting into the blanket of cloudy night.
Monday now, gulls squawk over discarded chicken bones or plumage uncovered trash receptacles. The aroma of barbecue broiled now faded. The smell of moist firework smoke sickens the air. Wind trashed canopies liter the grounds. It is indeed early…very early. Yet, volunteers and workers shiver as cold air rushes in off the bay. They drag weary bodies along separating recycle from trash-attempting to restore Windjammer Park to its pre-contracted standard. Few see the behind the scene work required to make any operation of this magnitude successful. Again I thank the local chamber for a job well done.
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