Commentary: John Adams would’ve been proud of Clark County. Here’s why.

Our second President, John Adams, would have loved New Carlisle and Enon. He really would have.

In 1776, after Adams signed the Declaration of Independence, he wrote a letter to his wife Abigail about how the event should be remembered.

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival,” he wote. “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty; it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Well, I think we’ve got it covered, Mr. President.

As I’ve said before, there is no place that I would rather spend the Fourth of July than in our end of Clark County. Since the Independence Day is in the middle of the week, it seems like we have nearly a week of celebrating starting this Thursday.

On Thursday from 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. the Church of the Brethren will host a Farmers Market Festival in its parking lot at 219 North Main St. Market vendors will set up in the church parking lot along with Spicey Rooster BBQ CO. Catering and The Painted Pepper.

The New Carlisle Farmers Market will have Kids Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All sorts of fun things are planned including an organ grinder, face painting, and rock painting. Paul Race will have music. All this is comes in addition to the sale of fresh produce from our local farmers and vendors.

Beginning at noon on Saturday, the New Carlisle Pool will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Hours have been extended and the pool will be open until 11 p.m. April Lowrey has planned a full day of fun for members and those who just drop in for the day and pay at the door.

Water tug of war, raft races, a water walking ball, a six-foot beach ball, and a doughnut ring toss will fill the day. There will also be a race between a large inflated whale and an inflated shark. Pool parties don’t get much better than this.

As Lowrey explained, they would also love to see former pool employees. And they’d love to see some old photos of the pool.

Whitter’s Wings will be on hand until 7 p.m. in addition to the concession stand which will be open all day with its usual goodies. Whitter’s will also have red, white, and blue snow cones. Whitter’s food truck will move to Haddix Field as everyone prepares for the fireworks.

Music by Tecumseh’s own Alexis Gourley begins at the pool at 7 p.m.

The fireworks display will be launched after sunset from a location not far from the pool.

“It’s been years and years and years,” said Lowrey. “These are our first summer fireworks in ages.”

On Sunday morning, I imagine more than one local church will be including patriotic hymns and anthems in their worship service. President Adams would approve.

Fireworks at the Clark County Fairgrounds will be the next evening on Monday. This is always a great display presented by the National Trails Park and Recreation District, and the Clark County Fair.

On Tuesday evening, Enon will begin its fireworks with the firing of a full-size replica of a Revolutionary War cannon. The First Mad River Light Artillery, which works with both the Clark County Park District and the Fair at New Boston, will have costumed historical presentations and demonstrations at the Enon VFW 5075 Enon Xenia Road before the fireworks begin.

The Enon Fourth of July parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, at Indian Valley School and proceed to the firehouse.

What a fantastic community we live in. Come out to one or all of these events, mingle with your neighbors and celebrate the birthday of our United States.

About the Author