Another Holden Extravaganza

Beginning with a fun run at 7:30 a.m. and ending with a talent show at 10 p.m., it was a day of busy, fun activities for our July 4th celebration. After matins we had a flag raising, a Bible study, a delicious brunch of pancakes, proclamations on the ark, and performances of American Folk Songs ranging from "Don't Fence Me In" to "If I Had a Hammer."

The parade started about 1 p.m. with various floats and costumes and, in keeping with the Holden parade tradition, after it passed by, it turned around and came back so we saw it twice. Linda Jensen, who grew up at Holden during the mining days led the band as the majorette. She is only a year older than I am and a few years ago she found she still remembered her childhood talent for twirling and has been in the Holden 4th of July parades ever since. After the parade, I practiced with her home-made baton (made from a broken pool cue, a rock, some red and blue cloth all held together with book binding tape). I discovered I remember a little about the long forgotten art of baton twirling. (I think I was about 10 when I took lessons). I practiced for awhile and it was fun. When the parade ended, we all lined up for ice cream sundaes. Yum!

At 4 p.m. we gathered by the ark again for a joke-a-thon (all in good fun) and then a picnic dinner of brats and hotdogs. I then got to rest for an hour before vespers, the band concert, the fireworks show and then, finally, the talent show. My nine year old friend, Nyrie, and I did a dramatic reading of "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. It was my first foray into the talent show lineup. I figured I could be a little foolish too. Nyrie was great.

There were over 400 people in the village for the celebration today, including many children. It is such a good place for a family to come on vacation. It was so neat to hear the children playing and having a good time. It was another perfect old fashioned celebration that I have had the privilege of attending at Holden for the last three years.

Here are some pictures of the day.

The Proclamations begin!
We love a parade!

We also love a picnic!