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This Week in Walton... The
Americana of Rogers County
July 7, 2008
 Walton
Celebrates Independence Day
Scott had a full plate for the Independence Day
weekend but made time to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with
friends and family. “There's a reason for this day,” said Walton.
“We live in the greatest country in the history of the world. It was
created by great people with great ideas who refused to be subjected
by anyone. It's fun to get wrapped up in the celebration and
socialization but the reason for this day is to celebrate who we
are, how we got here and to remember that we have some mighty big
roles to play as citizens of this nation.”
Scott's 4th of July started at Claremore Lake where the City of
Claremore gave away free fishing rods and reels along with a tackle
box to the first four hundred kids. The turn out was exceptional and
all of the gear was given away. “This was a great sight,” said
Walton, “...there wasn't much shoreline space empty. Kids and their
folks were busy fishing and it was heartwarming to see that.”
Scott made his way to Oologah Park and took part in the parade that
rolled out there. “This wasn't your typical parade,” said Rose
Walton. “This was what I think a celebration of Independence should
be.”
The parade consisted of kids riding their bicycles and people simply
walking behind the Boy Scouts who carried the colors. “This
was an old fashioned neighborhood get-together parade,” Rose said.
“It was really what makes us happy we live in small towns with lots
of friends and neighbors.”
In the Chelsea area, Scott and Rose went to the home of Bob and
Velvet Hefner where a family reunion of the Hefner and Delozier
families was being hosted. “These are two families that have greatly
contributed to this part of Rogers County for many years and, from
the looks of it, will continue to do so,” said Walton. The
reunion was complete with swimming, a horseshoe competition and
plenty of good food. An estimated 150 people attended the event.
County Commissioner Danny Delozier competed in the horseshoe
tournament but fell short of 1st place.
The Waltons then went to Chelsea's McSpadden park to watch the
softball tournament that was hosted by Darrrel Park. Kids swam for
free at the town's swimming pool and prepared for the fireworks
show.
From Chelsea, Scott made his way back to Claremore Lake where a live
band entertained the crowd. Hundreds of people laid blankets on the
shore of the lake to await the fireworks show. When the fireworks
began, the reflection of the show on the water made for an
exceptionally impressive show.
“It's an emotional thing for me,” said Walton, “I took a moment to
reflect on the luck I've had and I'm thankful that I'm an American
and that I've been fortunate enough to live in a place like this
that a lot of people think only exists in Norman Rockwell paintings.
If you want to see Americana, come to Rogers County because it's
alive and well here. Being a good friend and neighbor is what Rogers
County is based on.” |
July 4th
Photo
Gallery |
