"small town" news and stories

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

I'm spending my Fourth of July doing what much of the country is doing. Going to the local small town parade, hooting and hollering a bit, and then a huge chicken BBQ. Finally when the day is done and it's getting dark, then it's time to watch the fireworks and go Ooooh and Aaaah as they light up the sky and make you jump from the sound of the explosions.

For me it's the Thomaston, ME celebration; a parade where thousands come with chairs and coolers to line the streets six deep for half a mile. After the parade many of the folks are off for home to tackle either the grill or lobster pot. The others wander over to the celebration food stalls for hot dogs, burgers, French fries, enormous onion rings or blooming onions, flavored shaved ices, and since this is Maine, the obligatory lobster or crab rolls.

I started with a nice "Lobtsa Roll" and my first blooming onion. The first was excellent, the latter was a nightmare. Well I learned my lesson. No more blooming onions for me. I would love to hear what everyone else is eating on this day of the celebration of our Independence and of summer time.