Lamar celebrates historic Fourth of July with wet/dry parade, community free BBQ and fireworks show

Aerial views of parade crowd – photos by Shane Dashner

To say Lamar’s first wet/dry parade was a success is an enormous understatement.  The parade, held on Saturday the Fourth of July, drew a large crowd of children and adults, many of whom were dressed in red, white, and blue.  Throngs of people lined the parade route along Main Street, anxious to see what this new type of parade would be all about.  Many were in the “wet zones” and ready to get sprayed as well as to spray back at the parade participants. Those in the “dry zones” were able to safely watch all the fun without getting soaked.  A large number of free water guns were handed out at Bi-Centennial Park, donated by several businesses including Frontier Bank.

Parade royalty Doug and Linda Harbour – The Harbours founded the Tri-State 911 Tribute Foundation and have been invaluable in bringing awareness to the nation’s heroes.  Photo by Depth & Dayseye’s Photogrophy

The parade was led by a color guard and parade royalty Doug and Linda Harbour, and included multiple fire trucks spraying the crowd, as well as a large number of floats that had been entered, all sporting flags and patriotic themes.  Tractors, semis, pickups, and golf carts were interspersed throughout, many of which were accompanied by people walking alongside, actively dousing people with water. Stulp Farms’ “Fire Stomper” truck was in attendance, showing off its water-spraying capabilities, which that day included a number of squirt-gun-toting rooftop passengers.

Photo by Depth & Dayseye’s Photography

The Lamar Rotary club’s “Miss Quackers” happily rode through the barrage of water being sprayed her way.  A large blow-up Uncle Sam in the back of a pickup truck, was easily visible as the parade made its way through the crowds.  Louder than any of the fire horns or trucks honking though, was the laughter.  Adults and kids alike were totally caught up in the spirit of the parade and squealed with delight.  For that magical hour, people forgot about any cares or worries and remembered what makes this country great – people who may think differently politically or look differently, but who love the United States and the freedoms it offers us and who all wear the red, white, and blue proudly.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Kirk Crespin

Lamar Mayor Kirk Crespin said it best in his Facebook post – “Our community has always been patriotic, All-American, and deeply committed to honoring our country and those who serve it”.  Crespin was in the back of a truck pulling a float carrying members of Lamar’s City Council.  He wore a white t-shirt emblazoned with a bullseye and the words “Shoot Here” and was armed with a Super soaker, laughing as he sprayed back at the crowd.  On a Facebook post after the parade, Crespin said “We may have just experienced a new annual 4^th of July tradition for the City of Lamar!!”.  That mirrors the sentiments of everyone who participated and witnessed the fun.

Mayor Crespin readying for the parade with help from his wife

Following the parade, a free BBQ was sponsored by and held at the Lamar Chamber of Commerce where Prowers County Commissioner Ron Cook could be seen expertly handling a spatula at the grill.  The adjacent Enchanted Forest was the place to be for post-parade socializing and eating. The Zonta Club’s “photo booth” was also a big hit, allowing people to capture the happiness of the day. As the night sky appeared, a magnificent fireworks display was safely presented at the fairgrounds by the Lamar Fire and Emergency Services department to the delight of the crowd.  Due to the severe drought, Lamar residents had been under a fireworks ban and although some people ignored this, most people were respectful of the decision, which made the evening’s fireworks show even more special.

The three photos above are courtesy of Depth & Dayseye’s Photography

Frontier Bank was the lead sponsor of the parade, which was the brainchild of two of its Vice-Presidents, Jake Chamberlain and Brady Turpin.  Their vision came to fruition with the help of the Lamar Chamber of Commerce, the City of Lamar and all of the many individuals who worked together to make this an event that will long be remembered by all and hopefully become an annual tradition. Other parade sponsors beyond Frontier Bank and the Chamber included: Atmos Energy, Culligan Water, SECOM, Community State Bank, Walmart, The Aguilera Family, Prowers County, Colorado Mills, McClave State Bank, RC’s Garage, Big R, High Plains Community Health Center, NAPA Auto Parts, the City of Lamar, Fellowship Credit Union, Hometown Connections, Ranchers Supply Company, Prowers Medical Center, A&B Liquor, The Buzzard’s Nest, and the Zonta Club of Prowers County.

Frontier Bank employees help out at BBQ following parade

After the weekend, Jake Chamberlain told me “It was actually the best event I can ever remember here.  So many smiles, so many happy people, and adults acting like kids.  It was great”!  I think everyone who participated echoes that sentiment.  A huge thanks goes out to anyone and everyone who was part of this memorable day.  You all outdid yourselves and your community is grateful!

By: Barbara Crimond