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4 July 2014 - Independence Day in Mason
Independence Day was a busy affair in Mason this year, as it usually is. The day started off with a classic car show in the town square. This occupies three of the four streets surrounding the famous Ingham County Courthouse building, and the streets are officially closed to traffic from 9am till 4pm.
After the car show the participants in the traditional 4th of July parade start assembling in the Mason High School parking lot at 6pm. A number of the cars go directly from the show to the parade. By 7:30 everything is ready to start the parade. We are then treated to a real American small town parade with lots of fire engines, classic tractors, Mason High School band, politicians, children and various novel entries.
When dark falls there is a big fireworks display at the Ingham County Fairgrounds. Many people skip the grandstand view and gather at various areas which offer fair views of the fireworks. I joined my son in law and granddaughter at the High School parking lot where we could view any fireworks that reached higher up in the sky (and we avoided parking issues). I was surprised to find a large crown there, including a treats truck (ice cream, cold drinks and such) and a fire engine the youngsters could examine (and blow the horn ... my ears are still ringing from that powerful horn sounding over and over ... I had to resort to putting my fingers in my ears along with many others nearby). Many people brought chairs for comfortable viewing of the fireworks while some had their own small displays of fireworks.
Below are a selection of photos of all phases of the day's activiies.
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