This picture is from one of my favorite places in the world, where we spent many Fourth of July Holidays in Michigan. As I was going through photos for this blog, it brought back so many memories of the Fourth of July, community barbeques, being on the water all day, and family.
For over 40 years, we traveled from Massachusetts to Michigan, first to see my grandparents and spend the Fourth of July with them, and then as a family bringing my nephews to this tucked away quaint part of the world.
When the Fourth of July holiday rolls around, I can't help but get nostalgic for those summer days spent together for a week or two. The town has what you would think of as a typically small-town American "Main" street that only runs two blocks and ends at the lake. There was nothing better than turning the corner after traveling 12-16 hours, and seeing this site.
On the Fourth of July, we joined the community, lining the streets to watch the homemade floats, kids on decorated bikes, locals with their antique cars, the local high school bands, and of course, the firetrucks rolling on by as we waved our flags.
After the parade, everyone went to the park for a community picnic complete with barbequed chicken by the local Rotary Club or, I think, some years, the fire department and homemade pie made by people in town. There was an Arts & Craft Fair that showcased lots of local artists. Wandering the stalls always turned up a treasure. In later years, it was expanded to include food trucks and food stalls. Yum.
We would head back to our condo and swim while either we prepared for a neighborhood gathering or cooked Cincinnati Chili, just waiting for it to get dark enough for fireworks.
We had the best seats in the house for the fireworks. Our condos sat right on the lake, so all we had to do was walk out the back door, sit on the lake rocks, and watch the most amazing fireworks. It was the perfect ending to a great day.
Even today, as I look through this year's calendar of events, little has changed, which amazes me. I feel so lucky to have had this experience. These are memories I treasure.
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