Red, White and Boom
Well, it was more of a poof. The replica Civil War-era cannon went off with a billowing shower of fire and smoke – but not really a bang – to mark the beginning of the Round Top Fourth of July Parade Saturday morning.
Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Dan Mueller served as master of ceremonies. He warned spectators to cover their ears before the cannon went off and then cracked a joke about it after the “blast.”
Saturday’s parade was one of the few area Independence Day celebrations not cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The parade was well attended, but by all accounts not as packed as years past. The line of parked cars belonging to spectators stretched only about halfway down the hill along SH 237 towards Cummins Creek. Most years, the line of cars stretches all the way to the creek.
Before giving a speech to those in attendance, County Judge Joe Weber spoke to the Record about the importance of celebrating July 4 even during the national health crisis.
“I’m happy to be out here today because for the last month it seems that everyone has been running around our county with their heads down, a little sad, depressed, worried and anxiety,” Weber said. “I think today is a shot in the arm that our county needs. We’re going to learn how to live with this disease, not die with it.
“People will say, ‘You’re out here taking a risk,’ Weber added. “And we are taking a risk, but I think its a managed risk.”
Weber praised Round Top Mayor Barry Bone for not canceling the parade. He commended the Town of Round Top for installing signs about social distancing and wearing masks.
During his speech, Weber reminded the audience about the risk taken by the men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
“Two hundred and forty-four years ago 45 men got together in a room and took a far greater risk than we will ever take today, by breaking away from a tyranical king and forming a new idea, a spirt which eventually became the greatest nation there was. They knew when they did that there would be worry, fear, anxiety, and yes, even death. But htey knew also it was well worth it.”
State Senator Lois Kolkhorst also addressed the audience:
“I hear a lot of people say what’s wrong with America, but today we are here to celebrate what is good and right and just with our nation, and to share those blessings with our children and grandchildren.,” Kolkhorst said.
Kolkhorst spoke out against the recent acts of vandalism and destruction involving monuments that some consider racist. She specifically named monuments of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Rosevelt.
“We should learn from history, not destroy it,” Kolkhorst said.
The parade included about 60 entries. See page B1 for more photos from the event.