Lights ...
Camera ....
What? You’re not ready for the action?
Like just about everything else in the city, state and world for that matter, Boone County’s Fourth of July Celebration, “Lights, Camera ... Boone County” is being affected in some ways by the realities of and worries about the recession.
Sponsors’ purse strings may be a little bit tighter, and individuals may be shying away from entry fees. Beyond that, it seems many people are just having a hard time looking forward to anything — including what the festival might offer, regardless of cost.
It’s wise to be careful with finances during times like these, and it’s understandable that we’re all feeling a little bit gloomy, but there will be many things to do in the next two weeks that are free or cheap, and seriously fun. It’s time to shake off the malaise.
Ever see the Anything Goes contests? All of the participants are lined up and told by the judges to do something ridiculous and/or uncomfortable (sitting in a bucket of ice water for example). And they do it!
There is plenty of room for spectators, and the contests are free to watch.
Have you heard the Boone County Community Band? You can’t help but tap your toes. They will be giving a free concert in the park on Tuesday. The music actually starts Friday with the Boone County Battle of the Bands, followed by some type of musical event almost every evening through July 5.
And have you tasted the band booster’s steak sandwiches? I have, and I’ll be going back. In fact, I think I’ll be dining on festival fare every night next week. On the menu? Pork BBQ, pork chops, barbecue chicken, ice cream (yes, you can have that for dinner), Italian beef, baked potatoes and more.
The nice thing is, the little bit of money we do spend on festival food or participating in a Fourth of July activity, we spend here, knowing that the money is supporting local businesses and service projects.
Of course, many, many of the events don’t cost a thing, including the Fourth of July parade and the fireworks later that night.
Despite the sluggishness of the economy and the occasional apathy of residents this year, the Fourth of July Committee has put together an festival filled with sights, sounds and flavors. The fun begins full force on Friday. All we need to do is walk out the door and head to Memorial Park to join our friends and neighbors in this celebration of community and freedom.
How can we be apathetic about that?
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