Celebrating July 4th In Small Town Style
It was a busy day in Stanley as the Independence Day celebrations got underway early in the morning on Saturday, July 4.
Things started with the Firecracker 5K run hosted by the Stanley Park Board. Participants started registering at 7:30 a.m. in the Sauber Sports Complex parking lot with the runners, walkers and bikers taking off at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds will go towards the outdoor pool project.
The Stanley Cheerleaders were serving a fundraising breakfast before the parades in the Prairie Ford parking lot.
Parades kicked off with the Kiddie Parade followed by the main parade. The parade was about an hour long featuring floats, antique cars, equipment, horses and more.
As the main parade got underway, the Charles Hartman Post 134 Color Guard led the way with the traditional Iwo Jima float. They stopped at the announcers stand where a tribute and moment of silence were held for Gene “Skip” Wing. That was followed by the National Anthem sung by Nicole Biwer. This year’s announcers were Wade Enget and Roger Gjellstad.
Following the parade, the car show and shine returned to Flickertail Village. Flickertail Village also offered free food, ice cream and popcorn during the car show. There were also other lunch options with the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church serving at the church and the Stanley Women of Today serving lunch in Wilson Park.
With warm temperatures, the outdoor pool was full for the free swimming with games and more for the kids.
As always, the day wrapped up with fireworks at dusk over the Knife, south of the Mountrail County Fair Building and South Complex. The Stanley Volunteer Firemen set off this annual spectacular sponsored by the Stanley Commercial Club and the Fire Department.