Nobody Does It Better

New England, the Deep South, the West Coast, I’m sure they all lay claim to being the best at celebrating our nations independence. I’m here to tell you, nobody… and I mean nobody, does the Fourth of July like the Midwest. I’m sure that I’m not going out on a limb to think this claim is controversial, but I stand by my statement. I remember many years ago sitting in Cheektowaga Town Park (with the oft mentioned Jay) watching a very impressive fireworks display. After the lights had died, and the cacophony had ended, a townsman sauntered through the park and exclaimed for all to hear, “let’s see West Seneca do THAT!” That, my dear reader, took place in Western New York. Allow me now to recap our 3^rd Midwestern Independence Day Weekend.

We started the weekend as everyone should – by going local. Chrysa and I decided to go to Clear Lake to check out the local craft fair. It really was the idyllic Midwestern afternoon. The sun was shining, the crowd was out in force, music was playing, and the park was dotted with vendors peddling their wares. Chrysa and I really worked up an appetite wandering the stalls. We even purchased a patriotic hat for good measure. You would think we would be content with just a hat to punctuate the day, but you would be wrong. Our real treat came in the golden fried delicious form of cheese curds.

Ever had mozzarella sticks? Garbage I tell you. Get yourself the real Midwestern treat. Lightly breaded, deep fried, white or yellow cheddar cheese curds. Dip them in ranch, dip them in marinara, I don’t care, just get them. You won’t be sorry.

Although we heard that the fireworks in Clear Lake were amazing we decided to catch the Mason City show instead. The venue was only about a mile from our apartment so we could walk and not have to worry about parking (let’s hear it for small town living). Once again the Midwest shined. The city municipal band was sharp, played all the favorites, and the fireworks were well done and an appropriate length. The show even started and ended on time, down to the minute. Chrysa and I walked home, arm in arm, happy with the day but knowing we would have to get up early the next day.

On the Fourth of July Chrysa and I decided to celebrate Independence Day by competing in a 5k race. Normally the prospect of getting up really early on a day off would be unappealing, but I’m unemployed and Chrysa had the day off. Besides, it gave us an opportunity to see yet another patriotic small town in the heartland of the USA.

The trip to Charles City Iowa turned out to be a fantastic experience. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this race. I’ve run in small town races that had a total of 30 competitors. I’ve also run some that had a few thousand people. The Firecracker 5k in Charles City ended up being on the medium side with all age groups and skill levels represented.

Both Chrysa and I had great races. Chrysa finished 4^th in her age group and I finished 1^st in mine. Chrysa is a dedicated trail runner, so I’m sure she doesn’t feel the same, but for me it felt wonderful to get back to a distance and a surface I love. I really enjoyed putting the hammer down on a flat, groomed surface, and really seeing where I was in terms of speed. I hadn’t run a 5k race in a long time and it was gratifying to find out I had not lost my speed. Probably the most gratifying part wasn’t winning or getting a PR. The most gratifying part was actually losing to Phillip, the 14 year old kid who held me off the whole 2^nd half of the race. That kid could see my out of the corner of his eye and just wouldn’t let me get a step ahead. I made sure to congratulate him after he was done barfing on the side of the road. He was a really nice kid, with a really nice family, and you could tell by the look on his face how proud he was of his accomplishment. Well done Phillip!

Chrysa and I stayed in Charles City for the parade after the race. How could we not? This was the Midwest in all its glory. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was there. If you were from Charles City or around there you were either in the parade or watching it. I could tell because it was almost 2 hours long! The spirit of America was on full display. Chrysa and I were in awe of the spectacle. We watched classic cars go by, bands, jugglers, fire trucks, farm equipment, unicycles, Corn Queens, anything you can think of. It was something to behold.

Which brings me back to my main point. The Midwest does it better than everyone else. From fireworks to craft fairs, Corn Queens to 5k’s, fast 14 year olds to shockingly long parades, the Midwest has you covered. Now… let’s see West Seneca do THAT!

(85)