Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
In Kimball, Celebrating Fourth Of July Dates Back To Days Of The Homesteaders
Fourth of July fire truck rides for the kiddos are tradition around here, as was the case, above, in 2016. For times of this year's 2024 holiday festivities in Kimball at Gotte Park, the swimming pool and Horseshoe Hill, see the Kimball Upcoming Events Calendar on Page A2
What did you do for the Fourth of July? Family picnic, swimming, baseball, horse racing, horseshoe throwing? In Kimball, there are many things folks have done – and still do – to enjoy this nice day.
It was not unusual for the homesteaders to pack up their wagons with food, games and other things that were to be enjoyed.
The day usually started with a parade, with people enjoying seeing different things. They had a chance to visit with the people in the area, catching up on all the happenings of the last year. Then they would go to the park for a picnic lunch that they shared with everyone, each bringing their favorite food, and then there was some more visiting. The kids played games, the men played horseshoes and the women usually got the picnic set up for everyone to enjoy.
In the afternoon, there was swimming in the creek or – if there was a swimming pool – in the pool. If you were not interested in that, you could play games, such as three legged races, or compete in foot races.
There was also baseball games that everyone enjoyed. Town baseball teams were organized in the 1870s. Fierce rivalries developed between opposing teams hailing from nearby towns. It was a big event when the two teams waged battle on the playing field, and the townspeople supported their favorites, occasionally placing bets on the boys.
Horse racing was a favorite, especially at fair time. The fellow who had the fastest horse was considered lucky as was the fellow who later was the owner of the newfangled gadget known as the "horseless carriage."
After supper there was usually a square dance or just a dance. The homesteaders enjoyed music that they would stay late to participate.
There also was time for the women to visit and watch the children's games or the baseball games. They would exchange recipes and home remedies they found useful at home.
Over the years, there were always the picnics and evenings spent watching the fireworks at the high school, just like today, or at Oliver Lake. And sometime, there were class reunions or family reunions at this time.
Of course, today we have fire truck rides for the children, swimming, watermelon eating contest and more.
This always has been a special time for most families and citizens of the town to get together and enjoy each others company.
