A Celebration

Independence Day was a great celebration here in Alma, Nebraska. The parade through downtown started at 10:30 AM was an impressive presentation for a town of 1232 people (I am told that is the current count and it includes yours truly). There were more than 70 entrants in the parade which included the expected fire trucks, civic organizations, businesses, thirty motorcycles with engines roaring, custom cars (a 1949 Merc sedan chopped, lowered and with a paint job to die for took me back a few years), horse and rider units that included a 12 year old girl riding bareback, and six or eight great old restored tractors. Just listing them doesn't do the event justice. And, of course, it was preceded by a color guard composed of Vietnam war vets with Old Glory flying proud and getting a standing ovation.

After dark there was a fireworks display at the edge of town by Harlan County Reservoir. There is a grassy park like area near where the city fireworks would be set off, and the locals put on their own show before the main event. There are legal fireworks in Nebraska that would get a Californian sent to jail. Firecrackers abound, and are the lesser noisemakers behind some roman candles, and things that are only slightly less than what the professionals set off. It was an orderly outdoor party, and I sat with my daughters on the front lawn of of a friend. I watched ordinary citizens set off shells that went a couple of hundred feet straight up and then sent out an umbrella of color with a bang. Set one of those off in Los Angeles and you'll probably be the target of a SWAT team. The city's display, though, was terrific and certainly made for a great evening.

Between firework displays, I found myself fascinated by the fireflies that buzzed everywhere turning their lighted bodies on and off. I am told that the males put on an unnatural display and parade in front of females hoping to find one ready and willing. I'm sure glad human males don't act like that.

There is a sense of community here that may not seem like much to the long time residents but which is glaringly obvious to a transplant like me. These people look out for each other. Sure, there are probably petty rivalries here and there, but it's between them. Let an outsider step in the middle of a fight and they will band together in a hurry. The people here have been warm, friendly and welcoming, but it will take years for me be considered an inner member of the community, and that's OK.

This coming week, I get to go fishing.

Charlie