Trail 4th of July is the Definition of Tradition

We all know about this because it has been in our school lessons for probably 240 years.  The July 4th   holiday can easily slide into becoming a well-placed vacation or long weekend.  But, it’s important to remember that this Declaration of Independence really is a pretty big deal… for all of us.  No matter our political perspectives, it is cause for celebration that we can actually have political perspectives. 

July 4th celebrations have evolved through the centuries.  Historical accounts tell that in 1777, one year after the declaration was adopted; the day was marked with a formal 13-gun salute.  A year after that, George Washington gave all the soldiers a double ration of rum.  The next year the 4th was on a Sunday, so the Monday holiday came into play.  Fireworks, patriotic songs, parades and picnics got into the picture.  A century and a few decades later, Trail, Minnesota started on its way to becoming the Hometown of July 4th Celebrations.   And the tradition has continued for many years, with multi-generations of families “going to Trail on the Fourth”. 

Last week the 4th fell on a Tuesday.  A midweek holiday means a good turnout in Trail because they do it up every 4th – not just when it falls on weekends.  There had been some cool, rainy days for awhile but on the Fourth the thermometer soared.  It was as “hot as the 4th of July”. 

Promptly at one o’clock, spectators were in place along Main Street of Trail and the famous “Best Kid Parade” started.  This year maybe was the best of the best!  All the entries showed creative thought and much effort had gone into their costumes & floats.   It was really, really tough for the judges to select the winners. The parade circled Main Street three times and then entrants posed for photos.  It was great.  

In the end, the winners were chosen and awarded their prizes and it was “on to the street games”.  With the huge turnout of kids with their families and friends cheering them on, the street games were a blast.  One new event helped offset the heat when the runners all raced to the finish line with a full glass of water which, of course, they poured all over the line judges.   Spectators were also festively dressed in Red, White & Blue and lined up in the shady areas to watch the games while they visited. (Make a note to self:  Remember a lawn chair next year.)

One of the afternoon delights in Trail is the Jam Session. The music was especially good this year.  There were violinists, a saxophone player, a drummer, and two guys on guitars.  Everyone really enjoyed their sounds and hope they all come back again.  Russ Comer sets up this entertainment and does it well. 

There was a big lunch counter with BBQ’s, Brats and Dogs, summer salads and baked beans, bars and many kinds of pie, and fancy stuff like nachos and tacos-in-a-bag and root beer floats and later there was free ice-cream.  Yvonne Basinger had her “popcorn wagon” stand which offered all the important festival food groups like Cotton Candy, colored Shaved Ice and Fresh Popcorn. 

The kids ran around town gathering ping-pong balls for prizes and took one last ride on Gabby’s Gully Express Train.  Julie Lee and The White Rose Band set up for the pavilion dance.  Later, with storm clouds brewing in the west, Trail did it again and topped off the Fourth with a great traditional Fireworks display.

That second Congress of 1776 would have been pretty proud to see this kind of celebration.  They would no doubt have delightedly approved of this fine tradition of commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States. Can you imagine those white-wigged guys in the three-legged race??  See you next year in Trail… it’s tradition. (and it’ll be midweek; everybody will be there.)