Independence event in Boonsboro is 'Americana'

July 02, 2007|By ERIN CUNNINGHAM

BOONSBORO - Patty Bolland is proud of her country, and proud of her son, who is serving as a U.S. Army medic in Iraq.

She and other members of The South Washington County Military Support Group were at Boonsboro's Independence Day event Sunday reminding people why they were celebrating.

"I'm extremely proud of our military because without them we wouldn't be celebrating the Fourth of July," said Lynn Jones, a member of the support group.

About 2,000 people attended Boonsboro's seventh annual Independence Day event at Shafer Memorial Park.

Gail Smith, who lives just outside Boonsboro, said she has attended since it began.

"I like the fireworks, and you see a lot of people you know," she said.

She, her husband Dave Smith, and their daughter Amy Smith, were waiting for some friends and eating dinner before the fireworks began at 9:15 p.m.

"We usually get the same spot every year," Gail said.

Clay and Jenny Poling, of Boonsboro, and their children, Cindy, 11, and John, 8, set up a blanket and chairs nearby.

"I like to see the fireworks ... ," Cindy said. "I like how they're bright and colorful."

Joe Scalese, chairman of the Boonsboro park board that organizes the celebration, said the event is for the community and for the children.

"Everyone has a good time," he said. "Everyone knows one another. It's Americana."

Cayla Keaton, 2, saw her first fireworks at Shafer Park last year, said her mother, Amy Keaton, of Hagerstown.

They were there Sunday with Keaton's husband, David, their son Blake, Cayla and a friend.

Nick and Cherie Moser, of Fairplay, and their children Hanna, 8, and Emily, 3, said this was the family's third year at the event.

"I like spending time with my family," Hanna said. "And playing on the playground."

Cara Corson, and her daughter, Serena, 10, said it was their first time at the town's Independence Day event.

"We've never seen it before, but heard it was really good," Corson said. "There was a band playing patriotic music. That was really good."

Serena and her friend, Abby Wennick, 9, of Boonsboro, said they were looking forward to the fireworks.

"I like the big crack and it's like thunder," Serena said.

Boonsboro Mayor Charles "Skip" Kauffman Jr. said the town council is proud to sponsor the event.

"It's amazing the number of people who keep showing up," he said.

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