Holidays gallery
Happy Fourth of July July 10, 2008
Oh the Fourth of July, a memory maker for today's children, a stirring rememberance of events past for veterans, a time of speeches for some of the biggest windbags in our legislative body and a celebration of a great life that has continued to evolve from our symbolic birth as a nation through our struggling times, past and present. Parties on the lawn, fishing at the lake, barbecue in the back yard and sparklers for the young to celebrate another birthday of freedom. Recently, on a bumper sticker, this person read "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism." Yes! Why? Because those who question our "leaders" with such gusto are people who love their country, their way of life, and embrace their freedoms more heartily than those who live their lives wanting only another day of vacation. Perhaps a stronger emphasis is needed to educate our younger generation about the history of our founders. There is a need to know how this country came to be for it to continue to preserve the rights of individuals above all else.
Chris Schafer takes a break from his scooter riding as things heat up late Friday morning at Green Valley Park as vendors, and visitors converge on the park for a birthday celebration of our nation.
Bill Sahno climbs a light pole and places flags all along Main St., Thursday, July 3 in preparation for the July Fourth festivities.
Sherman Alston, left, prepares to raise the flag as Bill Sahno talks about the meaning of the fourth of July during a patriotic program at Green Valley Park, early Friday morning.
Sargeant Major Chuck Johnson, USMC, proudly salutes during the flag raising ceremony at the War Memorial in Green Valley Park early Friday morning, July 4. Bill Sahno spoke briefly and a program about the early history of our country was conducted at the nearby band stand.
Sherman Alston salutes as the national anthem is played during a patriotic program to kick off the official start of the celebration of the Fourth of July in Green Valley Park.
Ariana and Caleb Marsh recite the Declaration of Independence from memory at the end of the patriotic program conducted at Green Valley Park, early Friday morning, July 4. They received a rousing round of applause from all those present and congratulated on their accomplishment.
Fireworks exploded over the lake in Green Valley Park, despite the on and off rain that fell for most of the evening in Payson, AZ.
New grandma Kathy Klein holds Cayden Sanchez as Bud Klein watches proudly. The Kleins are part of Payson Supply Line, an organization that puts together care packages and sends them to soldiers in Irag and Afghanistan. The Payson Supply Line booth was set up near the War Memorial in Green Valley Park.
Two valley girls enjoy the cooler weather and the rain as they relax at Green Valley Park, Friday, July 4. Laying on the cement is Ashley Raymer and standing beside her is Breanna Noble.
Don't worry Brett Favre, your records are safe, Cortney Sweet is just playing around with some friends at Green Valley Park during the Fourth of July festivities.
Kevin Carleton finally managed to open this umbrella so he could enjoy the day but avoid the sun. Juantia Hayes sits behind him and watches the kids romp and play at Green Valley Park, Friday, July 4.
Despite the rain people came from all over to enjoy the spectacular fireworks at Green Valley Park, Payson, AZ.
Andy Carleton didn't want to show his face as he and his family relaxed and played at the park and waited for the bands and fireworks in celebration of our nations' two hundred and thirty second birthday.
Nanna Escalante climbs the rock wall and looks for her next hand hold as she attempts to ring the bell at the top. The rock wall, a bounce house and a dunk tank were part of the activities put on by the Payson fire and police departments to raise money for their Christmas for Kids Charities.
Isaiah Hayurest, left, assists The Wizard Wade Magician, by saying the magic words and changing a blank coloring book into one filled with colored pictures. The adults were amazed too, as Wizard Wade entertained the crowd at Deming History Park, Friday, July 4.
Matt Zimmerman makes waves as he splashes into the dunk tank. Earlier dunkees were Daisy Flores, county attorney, and Payson Police Chief Don Engler. The proceeds from the dunk tank, rock climb and bounce house go to the Christmas for Kids Charities.
Fourth of July fireworks in Green Valley Park, Payson, AZ.
Ashley Signa throws accurately enough to knock Matt Zimmerman into the dunk tank as the crowd cheers her on. Earlier dunkees were Daisy Flores, county attorney, and Payson Police Chief Don Engler.
Hailey DeRyke, left, sits patiently as Kim Ewert works quickly and with great skill to put a blazing star on DeRyke's left eye during the July Fourth festivites in Green Valley Park.
Emma DeRyke shows off her butterfly face after having it painted at the face painting booth in Green Valley Park.
This group lowered their shelter and huddled together to wait out the rain at Green Valley Park, Friday, July 4.
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Question of the week
Do you think new Principal Anna Van Zile has a valid idea in eliminating the Asst. Principal and replacing it with an Athletic Director position that would share her duties as Principal?
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