Colusa ready to celebrate Independence

By Susan Meeker

Colusa County Sun—Herald

"Where tyranny reigns, there is the country of ignorance and vice. Where good government prevails, there is the country of science and virtue."

The words of James Wilson, a member of the Continental Congress, were spoken on July 4, 1788, to celebrate the adoption of the Constitution of the United States and the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence 12 years earlier.

On that day — America's birthday people in communities all over the budding nation celebrated with fireworks, parades and triumphant assemblies.

When it comes to the Fourth of July, little has changed in 234 years.

"Many men and women have died for this country," said Beecher Williams, principal of Charity Baptist Academy. "Celebrating the Fourth of July is a way to say thank you to them. It's also a day to say, "Thank God we live in America."

Colusa's celebration is shaping up to be the biggest and best Fourth of July extravaganza in decades.

Beginning at 7 a.m. is the ninth running of the Colusa County Triathalon, which consists of a 3—mile run, a 6—mile paddle (canoe or kayak) and a 7—mile bike ride.

The race gets underway at Colusa Fitness Center, with awards following at Twisted River.

"It's about fitness as well and fun," said organizer Hal Tacker. "It's a good event to have on the Fourth of July."

This year, the county Independence Day celebration continues with events beginning at 11 a.m. in Memorial Park, in Colusa.

Vendor booths will include hand made crafts, jewelry, purses, kids toys and plenty of food, such as Tacos, grilled corn on the cob, drinks, shaved ice, pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, greeting cakes, and tamales.

Participants include Home Depot and Habitat for Humanity.

Colusa County Community Advocates for Parents and Children will sponsor many activities for kids, including jump houses, face painting, music and the piñata.

The Community Foundation of Colusa will sponsor the watermelon contest and beer booth.

The Colusa County Chamber of Commerce will sell fruit cups to raise money for the evening's fireworks and other Fourth of July activities.

Look also for tug—o—war and a roaming knight to round out the day.

At 6 p.m. the event moves to the levee for live music with the "Tijuana Taxi Band."

Fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m.

Personal fireworks will not be allowed in city parks, but for those who want to put the sparkle in their Fourth of July celebration at home, fire officials have issued a reminder to use fireworks with caution.

"Fireworks not only create significant dangers to citizens when used improperly or illegally, but also increase the demands on fire departments and firefighters," said CAL FIRE Director Del Walters, in a statement. "We recommend that you and your family make memories by attending a local professional fireworks display. If you live in a jurisdiction that allows fireworks, only use legal fireworks displaying the "Safe and Sane" State Fire Marshal seal and follow common sense practices to ensure your Fourth of July holiday remains festive and safe."