The LDRC’s Fourth of July events were both popular and well-put together. A Stars and Stripes Parade kicked off the festivities with the LaBelle Silver Spurs 4H mustangs and ponies painted in patriotic fashion, the SWFL PODS Angels gave out pinwheels, and the LaBelle Fossil Camp float complete with American flag clad mammoths and red, white, and blue Megalodon teeth handed out pencils and candy. The parade led us into Barron Park where the 3rd Annual Red, White, and Tunes, featuring the Walker Experience, was already buzzing with food, fun, and great music. Later there was a Party Like It’s 1.776 color fun run that had everyone covered in an explosion of multicolored pigment, as they ran the course around town and ended up at Barron Park where local youth performed tumbling and gymnastics routines on stage. The giant water slides were arguably the busiest attraction while everyone waited for the fireworks in the searing heat. The fireworks were spectacular, as locals followed tradition, gathering along the river in boats and along the banks, cheering along as the explosions lit up the sky. As the fireworks came to an end, a solemn trombone was heard resonating through the dark skies, playing taps.