Fourth should sparkle in Colusa

Colusa County residents won’t have far to go to celebrate America’s independence this year.

An old-fashioned, daylong Fourth of July event is planned in Colusa – the biggest Independence Day celebration in this county in decades.

The Colusa County Chamber of Commerce took over the event and plans to offer an array of festive entertainment and activities for the entire family, according to Tom Indrieri, executive director.

“It’s going to be a great event,” Indrieri said. “We’re excited to be involved in such a true American tradition.”

Got watermelon?

Community Foundation of Colusa County officials say there’s nothing that celebrates America like an old-fashioned eating contest.

“An eating contest is traditional on the Fourth of July,” said Cheri White, foundation executive secretary. “It’s kindhearted.”

White said the nonprofit organization will pit Colusa City Council members against their counterparts from Williams in a watermelon eating contest, although she expects some officials to use a “ringer.” County supervisors are also invited to participate.

“It’s the small town ambiance that we are trying to showcase,” White said. “ If the best of small town living is brought out, then a small town becomes more marketable.”

An amateur eating contest will be held after the first event for a nominal fee. The Community Foundation will also “raffle” the opportunity to ignite the evening’s fireworks.

“We have an old-fashioned TNT igniter,” White said. “You only have to be old enough to push the plunger.”

The cost for two raffle tickets is $1. All proceeds go to the foundation, White said.

Fun for all

Main Street, from Seventh to Ninth streets, will be closed all day in preparation of the event, Indrieri said. Food and street booths, children’s activities – such as jump houses, a water slide, Fourth of July crafts and face painting – will be held from 3 to 8 p.m.

Community Advocates for Parents and Children, a local child abuse prevention organization, will host the children’s activities and provide old-fashioned games, such as milk bottle and bean bag toss.

Caroline Roady, CAPC executive director, said in today’s economy, people need to use community resources and look for low- and no cost activities they can do with their children.

“A Fourth of July celebration is a great way to spend time with your kids,” Roady said. “It relives stress and makes for an enjoyable time for the whole family.”

All the events kick off immediately following the Colusa Lions Club annual rubber duck race on the Sacramento River. People can watch the race from Levee Park or the bridge.

Fireworks

After 35 years, the Colusa Fire Department has passed the Fourth of July extravaganza to the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce.

Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. with a bigger and better show.

Indrieri said the expansion of the Independence Day celebration and fireworks was made possible from the support of Colusa Casino Resort and other local businesses.

“We’ve broken even on this year’s event,” Indrieri said. “Our fundraisers (beer booth and fireworks stand) will go toward next year’s celebration. We want the Fourth of July celebration to become an annual tradition.”

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.