American Legion, county fairgrounds provide something for everyone on Fourth of July

Although their focus is on veterans, American Legion Post 19 and Ladies Auxiliary delivered community fun on the 4th of July with food, contests, rides and prizes along with Americans everywhere who celebrated Independence Day.

"We hope we can give everybody a sense of patriotism, especially younger children," Dale Hiller, commander of Post 19, said. "It's one of those times of year that makes everybody feel good and that's what we're all about- giving back to the community."

From 10 a.m. until noon Post 19 opened to the public and served hot dogs, sodas, train rides and held a watermelon-eating contest. June Blanchard, originally from Vancouver, celebrated her eighth anniversary as a U.S. citizen while competing in the fruit feast.

Blanchard won second place in the watermelon contest and had to eat with her hands tied behind her back like everyone in the adult division.

"It was a lot of fun and I was surprised I won second," Blanchard said. "It's a wonderful day to celebrate and we're grateful to the American Legion for putting on this event. I'll try for first place next year, and bring a second shirt."

Blanchard's two sons Bossfian, 16 and Bren, 14, a junior and freshman at Cibola High School took first and second place in the teenage division of the contest.

Shelby Crew, 15, a sophomore at Carpe Diem Academy, won two gold dollars she said she plans to save as memories of good times.

"I wasn't going to do it at all because I didn't want to ruin my outfit," Shelby said. "I took real huge bites and devoured it. I had it on my face and forearms but it didn't mess up my clothes. It was a great experience."

Charlie McPherson, 10, in fifth grade at Desert Mesa won in the 10- to 12-year-old division, while Jagard Quinones, 5, took first place in the 4- to 6-year-old division.

Melissa Bender, a cook at Lutes Casino, who took third place in the adult division and has been in Yuma only a year, was another reluctant contestant.

"I got all sticky and dirty and I don't really like watermelon," Bender said. "I did it because my kids participated and they saw me trying to hide and said, 'come on' so I did it just to have fun."

For those who preferred a more leisurely pace than the watermelon sprints there were train rides provided by La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, popularly known as, the "40 and 8." It is an independent fraternal organization made up of veterans.

The vehicle made up to look like a train is actually a 1949 Ford F-7 farm truck converted in 1950 by the Yuma Welding Works. More than 200 train passengers enjoyed 10 excursions about the neighborhood. James Lamarche, train engineer for the last five years, said people of all ages love riding the train.

"Little kids really enjoy it," Lamarche said. "You can see it in their faces and they want to drive it when they get older."

Arnold Schuman, also of the 40 and 8, said it was a great way for his group and the legion to show their appreciation to the community.

Other places around the region also sponsored Independence Day events.

In Wellton, a flag-raising ceremony was held and afterwards refreshments and a fireworks show was held at Butterfield Park. At the Cocopah Casino there was craft and vendor booths with entertainment by 80z Enough and fireworks too.

At Joe Orduno Park In San Luis food vendors had a variety of fare while free watermelon was available. Music was provided by Los Moonlights and the Silver Beats. Fireworks also capped their celebration.

In Somerton food and entertainment was served up at the Cesar Chavez Park while entertainment was provided by Pachanga Movil Fireworks.

Meanwhile, Yuma County Fairgrounds opened their gates a 6 p.m. Events included free games for children and a demolition derby with a $1,000 first prize. The fireworks that started after dark included more than 400 aerial shells, special effects and ground displays.

Mike Hosko, a Pallo Verde resident has been attending the 4th of July at the Fairgrounds for the last 21 years mostly with his wife and children but this year he was with his 9-year-old granddaughter, Raelee, who is in the fourth grade at the McGraw School. Hosko said, he was looking forward to the demolition derby and said it is "every little boy's dream - officially sanctioned road rage."

Over at the dunk tank Tyler Mack, 12, in seventh grade at Woodard School, sent volunteer Kevin Folsom, 17, a Kofa High School senior, to the showers with a sizzling speedball. Tyler plays little league shortstop and his keen eye showed with his steady hand.

"I thought it was pretty funny," Tyler said, when he saw Kevin take the plunge.

Lisa Salters, a Foothills resident who teaches English at Gila Ridge High School, was waiting for the derby to start and tried her luck with "ring the bell" with the mallet. Although she couldn't quite summon the strength to chime the bell she still got the lollipop consolation prize, as all contestants did.

Salters praised the organizers of the derby for doing a little something different every year and wished everyone at the Fairgrounds a "happy Fourth and hope they all enjoy the freedoms we have in this country."


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William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.