BY TRACY LEE TATE
Times Editor
LAKE BUTLER — Independence Day in Lake Butler was celebrated on Saturday, July 2 this year, but the mood and the celebration was as happy as ever. A great number of the attendees sported patriotic clothing of gear to show their American pride. The event was sponsored and organized by the Lake Butler Rotary Club and members were on hand all day to see that things ran smoothly.
The day started out mild, but a late morning shower had vendors running to keep their wares dry and attendees looking for cover. Vendors reported a busy morning, with business slacking off after the rain as the crowd thinned. Throughout the afternoon attendance was moderate and in no way the size of previous years, but the numbers surged as the sun started to drop and the crowd increased to almost “normal” levels for the holiday event.
As always, some attendees were cooking out in the pavilions and playing in the water, splash park or on the playground with their children. Sunscreen was required for the afternoon, but a steady breeze kept the “feel” of the air from being terribly hot. Vendors were located inside the Hal Y. Maines Community Center, as well as outside, so many people ducked in to see what was there and attend the Lake Butler Woman’s Club silent auction taking place on one side of the room.
More than a dozen vendors were on hand, selling handmade items, drinks and snacks. The Lake Butler Church of Christ had a booth next to the community center, giving away free cold drinks to anyone who needed one. Other booths were staffed by political candidate’s campaign staffs and a couple of businesses offering giveaways. A number of food trucks and kiosks offered a variety of food to attendees.
Despite the problems, the fireworks display went off as planned. The display went on, with multiple bursts in the sky at one time, for about 25-30 minutes and all faces were turned to the heavens to see the sky painted in bright colors. After the show the crowd dispersed quickly and night fell on the park.
