Murphy Park was packed this past Monday for a birthday party celebrate across the country.
The American Legion Graham D. Luhn Post 39 hosted its Independence Day celebration and fireworks July 4. The festival included a parade and more throughout the day.
“The American Legion is proud to be a part of this in partnership with the city and with Valero, Livingston Fund and all of our corporate sponsors. We thank them,” said Scott Dean, Post 39 commander.
Festivities began at 9 a.m. with the parade. The route went from Old Taylor High, 410 W Seventh St., headed north on Davis Street, turned right on Lake Drive and then drove into Murphy Park. Stacy Stork served as the parade grand marshal.
Jaecks Family Farm was crowned the parade float grand champion. The Jeep Club was named in first place, followed by A Veteran Storage in second and the Horse Club in third.
An ice cream social, food trucks and watermelon were available afterward at the American Legion hall.
That evening, music was provided by Morningstar at the park pavilion. The band specializes in classic rock.
At 7 p.m., fireworks lit up Taylor’s sky.
“This event is no longer community driven. It is corporate driven,” said Dean. “We have enough companies in our city and in our local area that feel that fireworks are that important that they give for the citizens and for the city. We’re really pleased to be able to do that.
Organizers went through official steps to keep the show alive amid city and county firework restrictions for the general public as well as a countywide burn ban.
“You can’t just go indiscriminately and pop up fireworks around town. (The police) will ticket you, especially because we have got no rain,” said Dean.
In addition to the event’s activities, residents used park amenities such as the tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds and the Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center. The pool opened for the holiday despite usually being closed on Mondays.
“Regardless of how you feel about the current climate or what’s going on, just remember that we are Americans and we are celebrating our independence today. We’re all one family. We’re all one nation,” said Dean during festivities. “We can agree to disagree but we are one nation and let’s have that spirit throughout the rest of the day.”
