I have just scrapped a couple hours of work on this week’s column; or at least what would have been this week’s column. There are some serious issues facing our nation right now, some deep rifts and wide divisions, and because we have a First Amendment, I can opine on those issues. But at 6:47 a.m. this Sunday morning, those issues gave way to local issues and the words dedicated to those national situations seemed inappropriate this week. Now, the following words, though less than my normal 1,000 allotment, will take their place.
I have experienced some wonderful days in my life, we all have. Days we look back upon with fondness and, if we are fortunate enough, gratitude. From Thursday last until late last night, July 2nd, 3rd and 4th, will be three days I will in the time I have left on Spaceship Earth recall fondly, and, lucky me, with gratitude.
In that span of time, a time prefaced by other days of note, I experienced in a new, or maybe more complete, way just how fortunate I am to live in King City at this time of its existence. And I am more than sure that many residents feel the same; my assuredness comes from witnessing again and again local events that require hours of unpaid work. I speak of the work of volunteers; and this community has volunteers enough to fill a major league stadium leaving no seat unfilled. I can only speak for myself as a senior volunteer but am sure others who fall into this category would agree that without spending some of our time getting involved in the community, we would find our worlds far smaller, much less active and no doubt just plain boring at times.
In the weeks and days leading up to the city’s celebration of America’s 250 anniversary, myriad local organizations, for the most part all nonprofits, comprised of who knows how many people donating their time and energy, put their efforts into bringing about one of the best Independence Day celebrations any city could hope for. (I add energy for those my age cuz we ain’t got as much as we used to so sharing it with others is noteworthy thank you very much.) If I confine myself to comments about just the fireworks show Friday evening and the events the following day, that would be enough to encapsulate what small groups (compared to the total population) of dedicated people can accomplish.
I had never attended the fireworks show at the Stampede Grounds because all previous years were spent in front of Rick’s house on the fairgrounds with a fun mix of family and friends, so this year’s show I saw from a whole new perspective. Families filled not only the arena stands but just across the way the parks and ballfield was also filled with small and large groups; both areas filled with pre-show music and laughter. And then comes a show that required months of planning and weeks of fundraising by a handful of people to pull off, many of this group on hand on the ground making sure the audience gets the best possible experience.
The following day the parade was a 90-minute show produced entirely by volunteers; both those putting on the parade and those participating. The time invested by competent people to bring antique tractors and cars, motorcycle groups, horse groups and individual floats of all shapes and sizes to the downtown area resulted in one of the biggest and best parades in the Valley. And throughout the parade was the commitment to youth with floats featuring dancers in gloriously colored dresses, young football players and their cheering section, and an all-girls sports team in uniform.
I want to specially mention the local little league organization who ended their season with a long odds bet that would have paid big had it been a horse race. I don’t know what the odds would be when in tournament play one town could have three teams in three age categories all place in the top three, a genuine triple trifecta; anyone betting $5 on those odds would not have had to worry about where their next meal was coming from for a while. A remarkable year for some young baseball players.
And there were high school volunteers up and down Broadway helping local authorities secure the parade route. Also of note was the military presence that day. It is rare for a city the size of King City to have a full contingent of Army personnel and vehicles in a parade; many towns and cities across America would love to have such representation. This year the audience was witness to a special moment when one soldier was promoted in rank, his family part of the ceremony.
The post parade day was filled with activities and food galore in two locations in town all put together by hosts of volunteers. As you notice I have not gotten specific with organization names nor names of individual volunteers who made the weekend possible for fear I would leave someone out; there are just too many to mention. But due to these people and these organizations, King City celebrated our nation’s 250 years of existence in a manner that would make any community proud. Good for us.
Take care. Peace.
Steve Wilson may be reached at sc**********@***oo.com.
