FUN ON THE 4TH; NICE SHOT, BRYCE

Bryce Sattler messaged me on Facebook following final 12 months’s Fourth of July parade and informed me I used to be fortunate to be carrying a digital camera, or he would have focused me with a water balloon from the Menno Mad Frogs’ signature float, which at all times contains a nonstop assault on parade-goers.

“I figured that saved me,” I replied. 

“Maybe next year,” Bryce mentioned.

Well, “next year” was this previous Saturday, and because the hour-long processional neared its finish, positive sufficient, there was Bryce and the Mad Frogs approaching with what needed to be tons of of water balloons. I caught the attention of Bryce and, with digital camera slung over my proper shoulder and behind my again to provide it some safety, I held out each arms as if to say, “bring it.”

Bryce fired off two photographs earlier than hitting me squarely within the left thigh, making good on his Facebook message that got here precisely 12 months earlier. 

I cherished it.

The water balloon encounter was certainly one of my favourite moments from a weekend stuffed with a number of nice stuff — together with one other unbelievable Independence Day parade hosted by Menno’s American Legion Post 152. I want I had extra space on this week’s print version for extra pictures and extra commentary, however don’t sweat it. Much extra protection will likely be posted at freemansd.com later Tuesday and into Wednesday, July 8.

There’s an inventory of parade entries to doc who all participated within the parade on the 250th anniversary of the nation, in addition to the winners. There are dozens of terrific pictures of entries and spectators, in addition to a few of what was occurring on the Menno FFA and Rames-Bender Post 152 barbecues.

There’s nothing from what was reportedly an excellent enjoyable night at The Lily Pad as Menno’s novice staff hosted its oldest rival, Freeman, nor from what was apparently an unbelievable fireworks show to cap the evening, as a result of I wanted to chill out a bit myself. 

But motion picked up once more on Sunday with Freeman’s personal celebration, which included chislic and baseball and an entire lot extra enjoyable. Kids ate freezies. Grownups drank beer. The 79ers gained. And — like in Menno the day earlier than — it was neighborhood at its finest.

Mixed in with all of it, was a second that rivals Bryce’s water balloon — the neighborhood brass quintet that performed the Star-Spangled Banner previous to the Blacksox sport in opposition to Tabor. I’ve acquired video of it that’s a part of my on-line protection, and it’s undoubtedly value testing. (If and once you do, you’ll perceive why.)

Anyway, all of it added as much as a sizzling however exhilarating Fourth of July. What do you say we do it once more subsequent 12 months, Bryce?

Jeremy Waltner is husband to Stacey and Dad to Ella & Oliver. Now that the Fourth of July is over, do we’ve got to begin fascinated by college beginning???