Hometown 4th of July Celebration

Small towns, the true gems of America.

Envision a pristine lake where you can swim, boat and fish.  Surround that with the lush green Adirondack Mountains and you are at Schroon Lake.

For generations, families have been coming here with their children to spend the summer.

We spent the 4th of July with some friends, at their summer home, for the annual parade and fireworks display.  Their home is perfectly located on Main Street, so we had prime seating for the hour long hometown parade.

Hours before the parade was to start, you could feel the energy; and your patriotism was running high. American flags decorated the homes and businesses.  Chairs had been placed along the half mile route in anticipation. The children had their bags ready to stash the candy that would be thrown from the floats. Town pride was at a fever pitch.

When the local policemen started the parade, the route was lined, four people deep, on both sides of Main Street.

The floats and marching bands were terrific.

There were bag pipers,

classic cars,

fire trucks, both old and new,

the Blue’s Brothers’ band  and sister too,

floats that honored our country and our veterans,

drummers, my husband thinks he likes her,

a Philippine Heritage band from Canada,

and, what is a parade without the clowns?

The 4th of July celebration ended with a fireworks display.  The town beach was filled to overflowing.  There was even musical accompaniment by the Word Of Life chorus.

The entire day took me back to the simpler experiences of my youth.  In my small town, you knew your neighbors and all their children, block parties were held every summer, kids played outside all day long; and they flocked to the ice cream truck when the music started to play.  Small towns are true gems.

At the end of the day, we spent the night at the Tumble Inn Bed and Breakfast. This is a lovingly restored 1870’s farmhouse that is just delightful.

The “no lunch” breakfast that is served is delicious.  We started with a mint laced fruit cup.  A great coffee cake graced the center of the table. The main entrees, yes there were two, were rolled omelets filled with local vegetables and cheese.  Bacon, also local, was served with the omelets.  The French toast, with local breakfast sausages, was served with a cinnamon, raisin sauce.  Of course, there was a large selection of teas and nice hot coffee.  It was a divine breakfast.

If you are looking for a wonderful getaway location, I enthusiastically recommend the Tumble Inn.