On Independence Day 2009, it seemed oh so appropriate to head over to nearby Independence to see how a namesake Oregon small town celebrates the Fourth of July.
I hadn't been to this annual event for a long time. But now that I have a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter, I look for reasons to go for a drive. Even on a 93 degree day.
My timing wasn't so great, because I got to Main Street just as the parade had ended. Onlookers hadn't left yet, so at least I could pick up a hint of the parade vibe.
The town of Independence has a strong Latino presence. At first I thought this guy was a traditional bicycling ice cream vendor. Then I saw the Hispanic side to the tradition.
The town's amphitheater, in a park next to the Willamette River, is a great place to listen to music on a hot July day.
I didn't know that "lowriders" came in a bicycle version. This guy was cool. Later I saw him with two buddies, who also rode similar cruisin' bikes.
Staking out spots for tonight's fireworks display over the river, I suppose.
This pool by the park entrance, just off Main Street, was popular with the kids. Given how hot it was, I wished I was fifty years younger. Or not wearing so many clothes.
When these boys saw me taking photos, they yelled "take one of us!" I told them, "You've got to do something interesting." They did. My new camera got a nice shot.
I love the bright Independence Day colors. And the appealing all-American tackiness of the booths.
This booth didn't appeal to me, though. Good god! Why would a kid want to listen to a Bible story at a fair? However, they had a decent audience when I walked by.
Kudos to this woman on her Fourth of July color coordinated outfit. Including accessories. She needs to get her guy matching better, though.
Another religious booth. Must be an Independence, Oregon thing. I didn't stop to get my answer. Figured I already knew what it would be.
Great view of the Willamette
River.
I didn't realize so many things could be deep-fried until my hungry, but health-conscious, mind studied the menus on the food booths.
Starting at one end of the food area, I walked all the way to the end, and back again — pondering the chances of not immediately suffering a cholesterol/fat-fueled heart attack if I ate what was being purveyed.
Ended up with a tasty strawberry shortcake. Which featured Oregon strawberries, the best in the world.
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