New Meadows Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights
Over 400 people came through New Meadows’ Dorsey Warr Memorial Park to kick off celebrations for America’s 250th birthday. The city’s July 3 celebration included family fun, a free BBQ and live music.
As the crowd grew, children were drawn to the bounce house and train ride. These were provided by Meadows Valley Public Library and Adventure Land Pumpkin Patch out of Weiser respectively. Adults were drawn to meet up with friends and gathered in groups around the park. The shaded picnic area near the BBQ buffet was another perfect place to gather. Nearby games attracted young and old alike for corn hole, giant Jenga and tic-tac-toe on buckets. Lines for food were long but moved quickly as volunteers grilled and served.
Music filled the air as Landon Vance and Lucky Tongue entertained the crowd and contributed just the right ambiance for the celebration into the evening. Raffle prizes were available for viewing and many entered for their chance to win and support MV’s Parks & Rec department. Raffle prizes included donations from C&M Lumber, Adventure Rafting, Mountain Glow Esthetics and Meadows Valley Public Library.
Community Outreach and Events Coordinator Stepheny Becker explained to us that the city used grant money from Idaho’s America250 fund to “cover the live music, decorations, games and other event related activities provided throughout the evening.” Becker added that the BBQ items were donated by community members and the raffle helped raise money for future Parks & Rec activities.
Local crafters brought a fun activity to share and allowed anyone interested to design t-shirts with red, white and blue fabrics and glue. Creativity abounded with layered flags and colorful flowers.
Over at the P. & I.N. Depot, the Adams County Historical Society opened the doors on their newest exhibit, “Moments That Made US.” Micki Eby was on hand to answer questions and share with interested parties. She also had festive necklaces and bracelets to share. The exhibit features panels relating the history of the United States, Idaho and Meadows Valley from 1776 to today. Topics include the Declaration of Independence, America’s founding fathers, designers of the original 13 star flag, tribal sovereignty, suffragettes and voting rights, gold rush, formation of the state of Idaho, Meadows Valley memories in photos and a history of the city. The exhibit will be open throughout the summer.
A new line began growing at the BBQ area as the band struck up “Happy Birthday” and the crowd sang along. A giant birthday cake and ice cream were dished up to happy partakers by Mayor Julie Good, Philip Good and ID First Bank Manager, Cammi Shipley.
In the city’s weekly community email, Becker thanked all of the “incredible volunteers” who helped organize and execute the event along with Dryden Ranch for the flatbed trailer turned stage, the MV Community Center and Albertsons. She said, “This community continues to amaze me. Every event is proof that when people show up, step in and work together, pretty incredible things can happen.”
