Depending on where you work, this has been a great week! Even if you do work outside, it felt as if it was a little cooler; why, I don’t know, it just did.

Saturday, we had 3/10 inches of rain. It was not expected, not even much by way of inches, but very appreciated. Every little kiss of rain is a blessing to our parched soil.

The Volunteer Fire Department held their annual fish fry on Saturday. It could be my imagination, but the crowd seemed smaller, and the response to the auction was not as enthusiastic. I was afraid of that when they moved the date.

The September date gives everyone a little breathing space, before they have to spend more money. I hope they reconsider for next year, and put it back to its original date in September. It is vital that we support this group with utmost enthusiasm, since our lives and homes depend upon them. I want to thank those of you who turned out to support our volunteer fire department.

I was disappointed to see that the City Council did not attend and purchase an auction item. I’m fairly sure the City has supported the department in this manner for the past several years. Perhaps, it is a legal issue, but I don’t think so. I understand everyone has to be careful when tax payer funds are involved, but as long as the citizens approve, and the attorney says it is legal, what better cause than our fire department?

They are a great group of guys. I haven’t met with the new chief, or attended a meeting lately. The last meeting I attended I was impressed by the spirit of unity and respect that was shared amongst the members. I hope that still prevails. I guess I’ll go by and check it out. Perhaps they will have counted the proceeds by then.

The Stars and Stripes Celebration will be next Saturday. This is a wonderful day long family event. It is held at the City Park in the heart of town. For those who have not attended before, let me tell you it is a wonderful event.

Although the Stars and Stripes committee organizes the event, it is a community effort. The food is cooked and served in the fire department building, the CityPark is used to host the event, and the committee purchases the fireworks from the proceeds of the fish fry. Yes, I did say fish fry!

Personally, I can eat that wonderful fish every Friday, but I’m sure some of you are thinking your budget may not extend to three fish fries in a row. Don’t panic, the fish fry is donation only; the events are free... put in what you can, and the Lord will help the committee stretch what you give. You can also buy a burger from one of the vendors attending that day, if you’ve had your fill of fish.

I think I will have to get a sno-cone to help with the heat. I believe there was some suggestion that this event be moved to the rodeo grounds, but I understand that the existing insurance will not cover unless alcohol consumption is monitored closely. I didn’t realize there was alcohol at the arena. I guess I’ll have to check that out too.

Nevertheless, the City Park is the perfect place for this event. The water slide keeps the kids cool, there are all kinds of playground equipment to keep them busy, and the visitors can wander around town, eat watermelon, throw some washers and listen to the music! There’s plenty of grass to spread out your blanket, and shade from big old trees. It really is a beautiful place! Maxine tells me she is going to have a big garage sale downtown that day. Imagine all that fun and a garage sale too!

The Preservation Society will have the bank and the variety store open so that visitors can tour the building and look at the pictures of our little town. I’m not sure when the sidewalk will be remodeled but once that is complete there will be a ramp off the sidewalk.

First Baptist Vacation Bible School began on Sunday evening. This event is from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Our first night was jam packed with fun activities! The crafts are bright and captivating; we build our own snacks to fit the Bible lesson and the music is wonderful. It looks as if this is going to be one fun week!

Don’t forget: youth camp is coming up soon. If you have a 7-12th grader who would like to attend, the cost is $155.00. Please contact Brother Barry Fikes at the parsonage for more information. I’ll put specific details in the column next week.

Monday was also playday time again. Carol Bryant is splitting her time between VBS and the arena. She says everyone is having a great time. I’m not sure who has the most fun, kids or adults! Don’t forget, these events are held every other Monday. If you missed this one, the next playday will be on July 14th. The final day will be July 28th. That only leaves two, so get on over there, and join in the fun!

Don’t forget: the parade begins at 9:00 am on Saturday, the 5th! Why not put a float together and be a part of the parade? I’m going to make a float, but I’m not too sure of the outcome. It’s a new skill and I’ll bet it’s one of those skills that require lots of practice! I know several little kids that will love it, no matter how it looks!

Remember to give your neighbors a break, and limit your trash talk to the mirror. I wish I could say there was never any reason to badmouth someone who has done you wrong, but it never solves anything. It just adds fuel to the fire. Sometimes we need to just get over it; whatever “it” is.

Please come spend the day with us in Richland on Saturday. We’d love to see everyone. I can tell you the fireworks are going to be great, the fish will be yummy, and the entire day will be a blast! Please pray for our country, our government, these important elections and our precious troops. Have a wonderful week; bless someone with a smile, a compliment, and a sweet word of encouragement. Thank God for the refreshing rains!