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Benson's 4th of July celebration a hit
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| As usual, the annual fireworks display in Benson was a hit with thousands showing up for the show. (Photo by Thelma Grimes) |
Thelma Grimes
SAN PEDRO VALLEY NEWS-Sun
In a year when cities have had to cut spending including their 4th of July celebrations, Benson City Council stayed true to their word, hosting another big celebration that was capped off with one of the biggest fireworks shows held.
Saturday night, Lions Park was full of families awaiting the sunset. With ice chests, chairs, blankets and games, families happily celebrated America.
Vice Mayor Toney King sat with his family right before the fireworks show started, saying that spending the money each year to give the community a show that it deserves is worth it. He said he is proud of what the annual celebration has become.
Besides having fireworks fill the sky from two different locations, the thousands in the park applauded as the hired DJ played Lee Greenwood's classic "Proud to be an American" followed by Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA."
Having music over the last few years has only enhanced the show, with several families saying they love all of it. One five-year-old described the 30-minute fireworks display as "loud and awesome."
Mayor Mark Fenn said the credit has to go to the Mayor's 4th of July Committee, the city parks crew and Bob Nilson, the city's director of tourism. Besides the massive fireworks display, Fenn said the group worked hard to make the entire celebration a success.
The Mayor's 4th of July committee includes Laura Laird, James Driggers, Andrew Parkin. Kim Lewis, Wayne Lewis and Lisa Hamilton. Kathleen Castillo also helped with the vendors this year.
Fenn participated in the day's first event, the parade, where he joked about being green and saving the city money by walking with wife Carrie pushing their two grandchildren in strollers, instead of riding in a car or float.
The parade was a true community affair, with floats like Barney's Auto having the statue of liberty and Uncle Sam on board, and passing out tickets for free hot dogs and watermelon at their 4th Street location.
The San Pedro Off-Road Association had a history lesson for the community. Each vehicle displayed a different amendment from the Constitution.
Later, at the park, the annual water fight took place, with the St. David Volunteer Fire Department coming out on top this year. Over the past few years, the Benson Volunteer Fire Department or the Forest Service has been the competition favorite.
Throughout the day, others entertained residents, such as local band Exit 303, local dancers and more.
SAN PEDRO VALLEY NEWS-Sun
In a year when cities have had to cut spending including their 4th of July celebrations, Benson City Council stayed true to their word, hosting another big celebration that was capped off with one of the biggest fireworks shows held.
Saturday night, Lions Park was full of families awaiting the sunset. With ice chests, chairs, blankets and games, families happily celebrated America.
Vice Mayor Toney King sat with his family right before the fireworks show started, saying that spending the money each year to give the community a show that it deserves is worth it. He said he is proud of what the annual celebration has become.
Besides having fireworks fill the sky from two different locations, the thousands in the park applauded as the hired DJ played Lee Greenwood's classic "Proud to be an American" followed by Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA."
Having music over the last few years has only enhanced the show, with several families saying they love all of it. One five-year-old described the 30-minute fireworks display as "loud and awesome."
Mayor Mark Fenn said the credit has to go to the Mayor's 4th of July Committee, the city parks crew and Bob Nilson, the city's director of tourism. Besides the massive fireworks display, Fenn said the group worked hard to make the entire celebration a success.
The Mayor's 4th of July committee includes Laura Laird, James Driggers, Andrew Parkin. Kim Lewis, Wayne Lewis and Lisa Hamilton. Kathleen Castillo also helped with the vendors this year.
Fenn participated in the day's first event, the parade, where he joked about being green and saving the city money by walking with wife Carrie pushing their two grandchildren in strollers, instead of riding in a car or float.
The parade was a true community affair, with floats like Barney's Auto having the statue of liberty and Uncle Sam on board, and passing out tickets for free hot dogs and watermelon at their 4th Street location.
The San Pedro Off-Road Association had a history lesson for the community. Each vehicle displayed a different amendment from the Constitution.
Later, at the park, the annual water fight took place, with the St. David Volunteer Fire Department coming out on top this year. Over the past few years, the Benson Volunteer Fire Department or the Forest Service has been the competition favorite.
Throughout the day, others entertained residents, such as local band Exit 303, local dancers and more.
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