Midvale July 4th Celebration Full of Fire Trucks and Children

It was noisy. It was shiny and candy was flying out of all the windows. The Midvale Fire Department certainly knows how to liven up a small town parade. Indeed at least half of the July 4th parade was gleaming fire trucks and tankers. They, along with the red/white/blue painted horses, bicycles, Keith Morgan on his tractor, Scott Fairchild driving a classic black Model T, and others, made Independence Day one to celebrate.

After the parade the Midvale Swimming Pool board and many of their children served a barbecue of hamburgers, hotdogs, pulled pork, baked beans and potato salad to 250 hungry customers. Dessert was cookies, cakes and pies donated by local bakers. The shady park had tables and chairs set up by the fire department the night before, and were decorated patriotic colors. Free bounce houses gave the youngsters a bit of fun while their parents and grandparents visited in the shade. Indeed, having the barbecue in the park seems to encourage visiting with the neighbors.

At one o’clock the 300 numbered raffle ducks were dumped into the pool and Karly Jakich conducted a duck drawing. Swimmers lining the pool were chosen to pick out four ducks to win prizes. First went to Amy Warren who chose the full vehicle detail and oil change donated by Ty Leuthold of Larry H. Miller Subaru worth $285. Second went to Melissa Swanneck, who chose the camping package of two chairs, a cooler and campfire grill equipment donated by Bi-Mart. Third went to Scott Fairchild who took $100 and a Stanley tumbler donated by The Office Bar. Fourth went to Deah Lafollete who also won $100 and a Stanley tumbler donated by Amy Holcomb-Wade.

Former pool manager Shelley Craig, said, “It is encouraging to see the younger people taking on the pool project. Many of these on the committee grew up with the pool and helped their parents to make the annual Fourth of July celebration happen. They’ve done a good job today.” It was noticeable that so many young families attended, including several babies. Also having the shady park to enjoy encouraged people to stay longer and meet friends old and new.

The pool committee posted their thanks on their Facebook page: “Wow, what an incredible 4th of July celebration it was! We are still basking in the afterglow of an event that brought us all together in the name of unity, love, and country. The net profit for the Midvale Pool from the July 4th activities was $3,685, thanks to many donors and generous ticket buyers. Also, a big thank you to everyone who made this day possible! Let us continue to be inspired by the power of community and work towards creating a brighter future for our community, youth and our beloved Midvale Swimming Pool. Special thanks to our Midvale FCCLA, KyLee Morris with the Midvale School District, the Midvale Fire Dept., Midvale Church of Christ and various community members who helped set up, serve, and make the day a success.”