Sometimes it’s prudent to postpone a day—and sometimes the weatherman is right!
Delayed for rain to Sunday, July 6 with the exception of bucket raffles at 5 p.m. Saturday in the community building, the fourth annual Independence Day Celebration took place Sunday at Chapman Park from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The fun started with opening of vendor stands at 3 p.m., quickly accelerating as the grounds filled up with event goers.
Several bounce houses were on site, as well as bungee basketball, face painting, and a rock wall, the latter seeing many brave climbers. Stanley cheese curds were available, as was Martino’s, Tessy’s popcorn, and Debbies, along with several beverage options for adults, the beer and wine booth doing a steady business.
Free hot dogs were provided along with water by Hansen’s IGA, with free cotton candy made by the Stanley Police Department.
Debbie’s on Broadway sponsored free ice cream.
With several musical acts on the main stage, this year’s Independence Day Celebration saw many prizes, including 130 raffle winners.
Big raffle winners were announced later Sunday afternoon, with Brooke Smasal winning the VFW/Legion 50/50 Raffle for the second year in a row.
The Independence Day Celebration posted after events were done.
“Four years,” it said in part. “It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come, From a small idea to a celebration that fills our parks and hearts. The journey has been nothing short of incredible.
“This year tested us. The weather forced us to make a call no one wanted to make. But together, we adjusted. The vendors, the volunteers, the families…you didn’t just show up, you rallied. You reminded us what this town is made of.
“To those who shifted plans, gave up their day off, and stepped up and volunteered without hesitation. We are deeply, deeply grateful. To Lance with the Stanley Police Department, who never stopped spinning cotton candy, to our fire department and emergency responders, to our veterans standing tall, to Moretti Pyrotechnics and Antics Studios, and to every quiet here who asked for nothing in return, thank you.
“And to the families and our neighbors, the children, the people who came not just to watch fireworks but to celebrate something much bigger than all of us, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this country and this event. You are the reason we keep going.
“This isn’t just about a show. It’s about a small town that keeps showing up - for each other, for our country, for the future. Thank you from all of us - to all of you.”