ORIGINALLY WRITTEN
Ramona expects to be a shakin’ with a rattle and a roll on the Fourth of July as the town celebrates Independence Day with an annual parade. The theme this year is remembering the ’50s and the ’60s.
Festivities begin with Uncle Haney’s barbecue available on the town’s Main Street at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day.
A kite-flying contest will start at 3 p.m. with Mayor Connie Smith at Freedom’s Field.
Later in the day, the senior-center group will be selling ice cream, and the building will be open all day for access to restrooms and a cool place for visiting. Several crafters have been invited to participate for the afternoon and will be in the Bank Building beginning at 4 p.m.
A new mini-museum in Ramona, dubbed “The Dirt Gambler Museum” in honor of all the farmers who have invested in the community throughout the years, will feature Gertie Schubert’s “3-Rs School” memorabilia, and a collection of old harvest photographs and memories from townsfolk titled, “Bringing in the Sheaves.”
Anyone interested in contributing to the exhibit can call Pat Wick at 785-965-7110. The display is in the Bank Building and will be open on the Fourth of July from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Registration for the town parade begins at 6 p.m. in front of the old high school building-now Tatge Manufacturing. Registration fees are $5 for a float, $2 for single-adult entries and $1 for children entering the competition.
The parade begins at 7 p.m. with the “Shake, Rattle and Roll” theme and will proceed down Main Street.
“This year, we’re going by twice so you can really enjoy the show and the judges have more time to vote,” Wick said.
Cash prizes ranging from $50 to $15 for first place and $30 to $10 for second place will be awared in the following categories: Best Float, Best Single Entry, Best Kids Float, and Kids Single Entry.
Cars from the ’50s and ’60s can compete for the Overall Favorite Award, Best Theme Award and Best Oldie But Goodie. Winners will receive prizes. The winner of the Motorcycles Best Theme Award will receive a $35 gift certificate. The best Oldie but Goodie will receive a $20 gift certificate.
After the parade, young and old can play old-time games such as a watermelon-seed-spitting contest, a hamburger relay, a sock-hop balloon bust, the Hoola Hoop rock and roll, and the flower-power fashion relay.
Winning teams will receive prizes.
Participant are encouraged to purchase a $1 ticket for a bicycle giveaway. David and Jane Staatz of Ramona have contributed two bicycles again this year. Proceeds from the giveaway will benefit the Ramona Improvement Committee.
“It’s always more fun if you make some attempt to dress like we used to in the fifties and sixties,” Wick said.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own chair, Wick said.
The fireworks display is sponsored by the Tampa State Bank in honor of their customers who live in the Ramona area.
Prior to the fireworks, watermelon slices will be available for 25 cents per piece at the Ramona Volunteer Fire Department.
In Ramona, the mayor has issued a proclamation stating that fireworks are allowed only in Freedom Field, where the fire department stands ready to douse errant sparks.
“You are welcome to bring your personal fireworks down to the field,” Wick said. “Just check in with the guys in charge, and they’ll show you where you can fire them. “
Anyone needing more information about the event can call Smith at 785-965-2653.
