And before all this, we have our parade: the Sheriff leads the way and a few random cars, firetrucks, vintage tractors, and horseback riders come through town, tossing the good candy at the tons of little kids lining the street. We got a really good spot: we stood in front of the liquor store at the corner of the gas station ALL BY OURSELVES. Kiddo racked up, and Hubby got his favorite strawberry candy. And since we were on drivers' side, I got to visit with some of my law enforcement friends.
At the end of the night, there's a community-funded fireworks show. What amazes me is that the money for the display comes out of the pocket of the people who come to the Day in the Park every year. There are donation jars as you come in the gate, but there is no admission fee. As people are driving in at dusk, the Ladies' Auxiliary are standing in the streets with firemen's helmets taking donations as well. Then, you get situated (if you can find a parking space, and without driving onto the display lol), and sit either in your car or on the park lawn and watch a beautiful 20-30 minute fireworks display put on by the Beaumont Fire Department.
I think I had the best seat in the house. We were about a football field away from the display itself. I sat on the ground in my long summer dress, with my sweet four-year-old in my lap and my husband by my side. When the fireworks started, you could still hear the final band playing on stage. I listened to them play "Simple Kind of Man" as I was sitting there, realizing I was happy with my simple little life. I love being in the country with my little family, enjoying the little things in life.
I am #smalltownproud
