On a beautiful first Saturday in July, 2012 we once again celebrated with The Stars & Stripes of Richland Springs. The parade started the days festivities at around 9 a.m. Our flags were carried by Micheal & Mykah McKinnerney of Richland Springs. We commend these two fine young riders on a job well done at showing the pride and respect these flags deserve.After the parade there was horseshoes, washers, 42 tournament, watermelon eating and seed spitting. There were also mud races and other games. In the horseshoes 1st went to Carl Eller & John Luce; 2nd was Parker Gibson & William Gibson; 3rd was James Muncy & Rodney Muncy. Washers was won by Rennie Mann & Chad Ashworth; 2nd was Mike Teel & Wade Smith; 3rd Richard Fain & Matt Blockburn. The 42 tournament was won by Phillip Taylor & Brenda W.; 2nd was Marcus W. & Donna T. Later in the evening we indulged in Jeffery Bates fried fish. It does a heart good to see so many come out and support this small community as we all saw this day. People were lined up for about two hours steady just waiting for fish and then to see the fireworks.We would like to take this time to thank Pam Starr and the girls for their help serving refreshments. We would also like to extend a great big thanks to Bro. Barry Fikes and his group of young men for all of their help in setting up and taking down before and after the meal. For those of the Fire Dept. that always help we say thanks you for all that you do to help make this run so smooth.This year we would like to extend a great big Thank You to our sponsor, Sharyland Utilities. Because of your help we were able to give a bigger and better show than ever. Your generosity was enjoyed by all.The fireworks were the best by far. There are several different time frames but suffice to say we had a display of beauty for over an hour. The grand finale was one to stand up for and to go down in the history of the Stars & Stripes 16 years. It will be hard pressed to top this one next year. However, none of this could be made possible without the unselfish donation of time and energy of those dedicated people who work so hard all year. To these we take off our hats and say "thank you for giving of yourself for others."We hope that you will all come back and join us again next year when we hope to be bigger and even better than this year.