Spirit Of America
Stars & Stripes On The River 2010
Stars & Stripes 2009 |
Stars & Stripes 2009 |
Stars & Stripes 2009 |
ZANESVILLE -- The heat and humidity did not stop thousands from attending the Stars and Stripes on the River at Zane Landing Park Sunday.
Kenny Forsythe, who is with the Old Boy Bikers Club, said he was thrilled to give away more than 100 bikes during the day.
"We gave away any kind of bike you could imagine," Forsythe said. "We gave everything from tricycles to 26-inch bikes. The kids just got a ticket, and the first 109 got a free bike. There were smiles all around."
In 2009, the group gave away 67 bikes, and Forsythe said he hopes in 2011 the bike giveaway will be even larger.
"We're also probably going to be giving away about $9,500 in cash this year," Forsythe said. "We've been giving away $100 an hour, and it's been great."
The park was filled with young and old, enjoying the food, music, rides and looking forward to the almost half-hour show of fireworks when it turned dark.
Brock Border, 3, of Somerset, was with his brother, Brody, 7, and both boys said they most enjoy the loud noises the fireworks make.
The boys' grandparents, Ron and Cindy Sowers, of Zanesville, said the Fourth of July is a time to remember our freedom and to show support for our troops, here and overseas.
Cassidy Wiler, 7, of Zanesville, wearing a red and white sundress, said she'd rather watch the fireworks for the colors. Red is Cassidy's favorite.
Being with friends is what Craig Nelson, 8, of Zanesville, said he thinks is the best thing about the holiday.
Giovanni Wood, 2, his face painted with red and blue fireworks, wasn't looking forward to the loud noises, but Alyssa Smith, 10, a big purple butterfly painted on her face, said she likes the fireworks that spread out, especially the purple-colored ones.
The Stotts siblings, Dalton, 2, Olivia, 4, and Dacota, 5, all said they liked the big sounds and big booms the fireworks make.
Sitting near the river, Ruth Bowman, of Zanesville, said she has been coming to the park for years and loves to see the fireworks, but believes the holiday is a chance to remember to be proud of the military and appreciate our freedom.
"It means a lot to me when the bands play patriotic songs," Bowman said. "I can't help but tear up."
Gabriella Hooper, 3, of Pataskala, was looking patriotic in her blue and white dress and said she was hoping some of the fireworks would be in her favorite color -- pink.
His left leg in a soft cast, Christian Stone, 5, of Zanesville, was riding in a wagon and not deterred by his broken limb he got from a trampoline accident Friday.
Christian would rather wave the American flag then watch the fireworks, he said, but his sister, Carlee, 3, wanted to try to catch the sparkles as they fell from the sky. And sister, Casa, 8, said she just likes all the blue colors.
Walking to the river south of the park, Larry Lentz, of Blue Rock, said the holiday means a time to remember our freedom and a chance to celebrate with friends. His wife, Cheryl, agreed as did friends, Bud Hardesty and his wife, Martha, of Zanesville.
"It's also a time to honor the veterans and to remember their sacrifices," Martha said.
Skateboarding prior to the firework show, Chance Coddington, 17, of Zanesville, said while the holiday is a good time to hang out with his friends and be with family, it's also a time to remember what the country has done and how the veterans have given so much.
David Mortimer, Jaycees president, said his service club is delighted to sponsor the event each year and said Saturday night had a good attendance and he was very pleased with the thousands that came Sunday.
"It's been a good time," Mortimer said.
Sgt. Chris Rice, of the Zanesville Police Department, said the day had been pretty quiet and his officers hadn't encountered many problems throughout the day at the park.
"It's hot, but things have been good," Rice said.
