Masontown holds July 4th celebration
MASONTOWN – Ninety-degree heat and the threat of thunderstorms couldn’t dampen the spirits of Masontown’s annual Fourth of July celebration Thursday at German-Masontown Park. After a three-year hiatus, the celebration brought out the community for food, fun and entertainment.
“It’s been wonderful and it’s here to stay,” said Carole Daniels, borough council president and the Fourth of July committee chairperson.
Although turnout throughout the day was a little low, Daniels said she considers the event a success and promised, “It will be bigger and better next year.”
Daniels worked in collaboration with co-chairman for the event Frank McLaughlin who echoed Daniel’s sentiments. “It turned out a lot better than I thought in the short time we had to put it together,” he said.
The event featured booths from local businesses and restaurants, music from Joe’s Dusty Disc and free blood pressure tests provided by Southwest EMS.
Festive red and white tents dotted the park as visitors strolled from booth to booth munching on ribs or pizza, or simply enjoying the sunshine.
Sean Arnold, who recently moved to the area from Louisiana, was at the event representing Duke Energy. He was impressed with the effort by the community for the event.
“I think it is good to see the community pull together, turn out and have a nice time,” Arnold said.
Charles Henderson was happy with the event for a different reason.
Henderson, who plans to open a new restaurant along Route 40, was glad to get some publicity and to get out in the community.
“It’s great. This is the first time we’ve got to come out and we’re selling everything we’ve got,” he said.
Daniels hopes that the event will now become the staple it once was and provide something for the community to do as a community.
“Our town is small and there is so much we could do,” she said. “To me, this is togetherness and we need things like this.”
Mike Moser, who was in attendance at the festival, summed up the day’s activities. “I think it’s very nice and it gives the community a chance to get closer and involved,” Moser said.