Fabulous 4th of July

BALDWIN CITY — Once again fireworks and fun were aplenty at the annual Fourth of July celebration here.
For more than five years, Bill Gillispie has hosted the Independence Day party. This year was similar to others, except the weather stayed dry and allowed for a finale everyone enjoyed.
“I loved the finale this year,” Anna Gillispie said. “It was one of the best I can remember from recent years. It was awesome.”
Some of the biggest suppliers of fireworks were David Heeter, Dennis Heeter and Cleo and Tom Murphy. They brought enough explosives and fireworks to keep the crowd entertained.
“It was crazy how much stuff they brought," said party host Bill. “They help make the party better every year. The finale was great, but I still love Heeter’s big boomers.”
Besides the fireworks, there was plenty to do as always. This year’s game that attracted the most players was “redneck golf.” The longest reigning champions were Maggie Heeter and Billy Price, but they were finally dethroned by Jimmy and Anna Gillispie.
The 2008 Fourth of July cuisine was comprised of hot dogs, bratwursts, corn on the cob, variety of dips and appetizers and homemade vanilla ice cream.
No one was hurt at this year’s celebration, but the Green boys were not present either. Bicycles have also been banned from the event.
At the end of the day, there was discussion of moving the event to Jason and Sara Miller’s house near Oskaloosa next year. No decision was officially made. The party has been moved from Weatherby Lake near Parkville, Mo., and Tecumseh to Baldwin City.

To see photos from the celebration, copy the link into a web brower: http://s326.photobucket.com/albums/k404/Gillispie_family/Fourth%20of%20July%202008/