Happy Independence Day everyone. I hope your weekend was joyous and proud. We have much to be thankful for in this country. I hope we can change the flow of anti-American rhetoric that is being taught to our kids. Our Founding Fathers set up a society and form of government that was dependent upon the moral character best represented by those who followed the Christian faith. They were not perfect, but their dream was one that has called to the nations for over 200 years.
It is to this freedom loving country that people run. It is from communist regimes and dictatorships that refugees flee. This is the country that beckons to them with the promise of a dream and a future.
Although we are not perfect, we are the only good answer to those in need of a new life.
After experiencing both the Richland Springs and San Saba festivities, I can say that in this part of the country, we know how to celebrate Independence Day. There were not as many vendors on Saturday in Richland, but those who came had some good stuff. I didn’t get to sample Refugio’s food because they ran out of food.
The Cajun folks had a steady stream of customers. I heard several people who were vendors last year say they wished they had brought goods to sell. It seems last year’s glut of vendors kept them away.
So, I guess next year we will have more vendors. The weather played a part as well. Many people were afraid the rain would stop the proceedings, but not an issue.
The hog sacking was wild as usual. One of the events I watched, the pig was caught, sacked, and run across the finish line in less than five seconds. That’s incredible. I didn’t get to watch the big guys compete. That gets really hectic, especially with those bigger hogs. We had some new participants this year. Brother Mack’s kids jumped in and caught their pig. The Elkin's family was also privileged to have their soldier son home for the holidays. Cody Elkin and Clara sang during the evening meal.
The Hall family float representing the health care industry won the overall best float ribbon. I didn’t hear who won the car show section of the parade. There was plenty of candy thrown from the cars, trucks, and floats, to keep the kids on a sugar high all day. Water bottles and fans were passed out by volunteers from the First Baptist Church.
There were crafts for the kids to make in the church, but I think the weather was so refreshing that everyone stayed outside. I don’t have the results for the corn hole competition or the washer competition.
I’m sure the committee will publish the winners. The silent auction had some awesome gifts. All gifts were crafted by local citizens. I heard some of the wood working items went for some big money. That’s wonderful. It assures that next year’s celebration will be another winning event. Only one thing marred a perfect day; there were so many people attending the fish fry that they ran out of supplies. I feel certain they will correct that mistake next year.
The new restaurant opened on Friday. They started the day a few employees short, but folks in the community stepped up to help them.
Mondo, Paula, Lane, and Savannah Garcia did whatever they could to keep the orders flowing. Chris and Kristie Perry helped with the register and other things that weren’t quite ready to go. The rest of us showed up to enjoy some really good food. I hope the community continues to make these new restaurant owners successful.
I haven’t mentioned our other businesses, but please, shop locally as much as possible. Skelton Hardware has a good supply of food items and a wonderful supply of hardware items. The Coyote One Stop has great food and keeps us supplied with gas. The Feedlot serves up some delicious food items, repairs our tires, and supplies farm and ranch products. Stop and spend your money here in Richland if possible. We also have at least two car repair mechanics businesses, Jeffrey Bates, and Stewart. We have at least two hair stylists. I go to Marilyn Suber’s Hair It Is. Like the slogan says, keep it local.
Gerald McKee is headed back to Houston to fix a leaky chemo pump.
Please pray for both he and Kay. Danny and Danny Jr. are doing a little better. Several others are fighting cancer including my son-in-law Mark. Our prayers for healing are lifted daily. Please pray for our country and our education system. We must get back to teaching our kids the benefits of this governmental system. We must unite as one people in a magnificent land, living and enjoying our diversity and differences. Please pray for our government leaders and our media. A free country needs a free and unbiased press. Pray for a return to civility and respect for our police officers. Most of all pray for our precious troops and their families.