Stars and stripes and fireworks

July 04, 2009 08:24 pm

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By Darragh Doiron
The News staff writer
While Pastor Deasy gathered a “good rowdy bunch” at his church, snowcones flowed in Nederland and flags waved in Groves.
Fourth of July in Mid-County was a banner stitched of American pride, community gatherings and plenty to eat.
Crazy-loud rock, performed by Rock Church South East members, got the party started in the Port Acres Area. Pastor Mike Deasy, who has recorded with Elvis and countless other notable musicians, said his congregation is for worshippers who don’t like dressing up.
“We like loud music and Cajun food. We’ve got a good rowdy bunch,” Deasy said.
The audience gathered in a circle of folding chairs around drums and tambourines as the caught the stage acts.
The lake’s cool waters and bouncy tents drew children at Doornbos Park in Nederland where residents gathered for brownies and hot dogs. In the heat of the day some “older” attendees set their lawn chairs in the shade for a bit of shut eye.
At Abundant Life Sanctuary in Groves, Ashley James welcomed visitors to a day of music and food.
“We wanted to welcome the community to just have fun with the church. Church can be fun,” she said, holding 11-month old GiGi.
It was this baby’s first Fourth, and a chance to dress up in the colors of the American flag. Whitney Holt, 16, had the same idea for Emily, her Yorkiepoo, who wore a T-shirt with a stars and stripes motif. While GiGi’s grandmother created her ensemble, Holt said Target inspired Emily’s gear.
Bagpipers, a barbershop quartet and whistler Phil Guidry were among the crowd-pleasing offerings at the 11th annual Fourth of July in the Park offerings that wound up the day. Tom Neal of Lamar State College-Port Arthur said Lamar, the city of Port Arthur, KBTV-TV Fox 4 and the Motiva Expansion Project sponsored the evening which featured selections from “Annie Get Your Gun,” the big summer musical that Lamar and Port Arthur Little Theatre will stage in July.
“We have a following and then we pick up some new people on the way each year,” Neal, vice president for student services, said.
He recalled the event started as an outdoor bandstand party, but one year a weather situation moved the event indoors and once people got a feel for the air conditioning, they suggested it move indoors.
Of course, folks move back out for the annual fireworks show, viewed from the seawall. Neal said that the burst of colors flaring reflections in the water make for a “double show.”
Veteran John Beard of Groves was one attendee ready to make a stand for history … in the classrooms.
“My desire is that we teach it better in schools,” he said.
He said his Fourth of July shout out is that children “Study everything about our country. Study the whole ball of wax.”
ddoiron@panews.com

Photos

Ashley James holds daughter Gigi who raised her arms in celebration at the Abundant Life Sanctuary Fourth of July Celebration. The event was one of many where area residents observed Independence Day.