I had an early deadline surprise, which is good news …bad news or the other way around …anyway, hopefully, everyone will get their papers before the 4th. Although I heard a lot of people were missing getting their papers last week . Not sure what happened there.

So far it has been wet enough that the fireworks should be a go. And the forecast for the day of the Fourth looks good right now so we should be able to see the Military fly-over that we signed up for.

Thanks to Scott Depew and the OCC Community Crew for spiffing up the 4th float and charging the battery of the tow rig. And thanks to Scott and his lovely wife Darla for even washing the rig and getting a year of crud off of it.

Usually, this activity happens the day before the 4th …in a crazy flurry of activity that just adds to the “excitement” of the holiday.

If you get a chance please buy a 4th of July button. The WEYL fireworks stand is open through the 4th and has buttons, and schedules, and fireworks.

Hopefully, you have noticed the new 4th of July highway banners. It has been many years since we have had them see page 2 for more info on that. I shared here a newspaper clipping of one of the early 4th banners from around the 1969 era. This year the Forum also has the “flag page” which you can display if you like.

In other news be sure to go to the Forks Forum webpage and vote in the Best of the West End Contest. Once you register you can vote once a day. Let the great people in our community know that they are the Best of the West End!

So, see you on the 4th and remember you can get a chance to win $100 by being in the 4th parade. I will sign you up right up until the parade starts moving!!

Christi Baron, Editor