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Jul 10, 2008

Fourth of July: Parade, BBQ & Fireworks


What felt like the crack of dawn for some us, we were up early in anticipation of the long and exciting day ahead. We were excited to be representing Family Worship Center for the first time in American Canyon's annual 4th of July Parade. It seems like everyone from the town pours out to watch, so we knew our debut had to be just right.

The youth group and children from Sunday School arrived at 8am at the Exums' home to decorate bikes and the Brunos' truck in full patriotic regalia. You've never seen so much red white and blue in one place! The truck was covered in streamers, tassels, banners, flags, and anything else we could get our hands on that represented the proud colors of our country.

Not only did we deck out the truck and bikes, but we also decked ourselves out. Everyone proudly donned red white and blue hats, wigs and tee shirts embroidered with Family Worship Center's insignia. Even Tony Bruno got into the spirit of the holiday by wearing the "Uncle Sam" hat and beard. That made for fun pictures!

We waited patiently until the parade started at 10:30am. When it finally got underway, Larissa, Rosa, & Laura held the church banner at the front of our group while Noel & Gwyneth rode their fully decorated bicycles. On the sides, our youth group passed out candy to the people lining the streets while Tony & Charlie rode in the truck with the menagerie of Sunday School kids waving and holding their flags.




The whole group was inspired to see how much of our church family came out to cheer us on through our two mile walk. When we arrived at one corner, a whole slew of the church had turned out to help pass out water bottles to the parade participants, courtesy of FWC. They even made contact with the mayor and other officials in the community. Since it was so hot, everyone was very appreciative of this kind gesture. It's just one more way FWC is reaching out to help our surrounding area.


By the end, we were exhausted and hot, so we disbursed, some going to get some pizza and others to relax at home for a while before the next stage of FWC's Grand 4th of July party.

Around 4pm, people started to arrive at the church to help get ready for the BBQ and by 6pm we had a full tri-tip feast set out with all the delicious sides and desserts. And when everyone had their fill, friendly competition ensued with a volleyball game in the parking lot. They even brought out a mini bike and the kids, and even our Pastor, took rides around the lot.


At last! Evening started creeping in, reminding us that soon Fireworks would be ringing through the night, reminding us of our Freedom. We hurried to clean up and reserve prime seating at the Community park for the show.

All the church family gathered around with chairs and blankets in preparation of the fireworks show. And we were not disappointed. Everyone craned their necks to watch the magnificent fireworks display that seemed to be right above our heads with "oohhhs" and "ahhhs".


And thus ended another fabulous 4th of July, celebrating our country's birthday with church family and friends.

View more pictures here

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