In celebration of our country’s independence, this year’s festivities in Alamo took place from Saturday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 4.
Many activities helped raise money for students and organizations in Pahranagat Valley. The Motorcycle and Quad Barrel Racing for all ages took place on June 30 under the Alamo Rodeo Ground lights. Spectators watched as dirt bike and quad racing enthusiasts raced around barrels in both the small and big arenas.
The night of July 3, many people gathered to watch children ages four to ten ride sheep for as long as they could muster. Shaved ice, popcorn, and cookies were available for purchase throughout the evening.
July 4 started out with the 5K Color Run at 6 a.m. to help support the Pahranagat Valley High School cheerleaders. The run had 30 participants and raised around $300. Residents then gathered as the Boy Scouts raised the American and state flags in front of the high school. The pancake breakfast that followed helped raise money for the Pahranagat Valley FFA.
Then residents gathered all along the parade route loop to enjoy this year’s entrance under the theme “We Stand For the Grand Ol’ Flag.” Entrants in the parade included the town’s police; ambulance and fire trucks; PVHS cheerleaders; KW Legacy Ranch, National Fish and Wildlife Refuge; and several political candidates.The grand marshal this year was Ruby Perkins, from Alamo, who will be 100 in September. She lived through World War II and is still going. To reflect that, Perkins wore a pin that said, “I survived damn near everything!”
In the city park, there were many booths full of great food, games, and things to buy. There were also kid races, sack races, three-legged races, and the money spray for both youth and adults.
Residents could cool down further by observing and participating in the three-on-three basketball tournament which was won by team “Three Guys and Lance” which included Lance Higbee, Tyler Higbee, Derek Hansen, and Brady Whipple. Jesse Jones won the Homerun Derby at the ballfields. In the LDS Cultural Hall, the community also enjoyed cowboy poetry and music, followed by P.V.’s Got Talent.
Residents then gathered in the city park once more for a picnic dinner which was provided for a fee. There was dancing as people claimed a spot to watch the fireworks and enjoy time together under the lights of glow sticks and sparklers. The Pahranagat Valley Fire District once again did an excellent job ensuring everyone’s safety as they launched fireworks which lit up the sky for the evening’s grand finale.
