The 4th of July Sparkles in Chestnut Hill

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club, the 4th of July in Chestnut Hill was a sparkling success!  As per tradition, the day's events started out with a flag ceremony.  After the crowd pledged their allegiance, volunteers started lining up the groups for the parade and decorating contest.

the Heiress (who even wears tiaras and tutus on the 4th)
lines up with Luke for the trike and training wheel divisions.

Amidst a sea of red, white, and blue, there were separate divisions for floats, trikes, scooters, training wheels, and big bikes.  Children paraded down Hartwell Lane to the Judge's stands in front of the Water Tower Recreation Center.  The benevolent judges looked at the groupings and choose first, second, and third place winners in each category.

Mrs. Harry Potter about to win first place in the big bike competition

First place winners received $15, second place $10, and third place $5.  To say that the kids were ecstatic with these winnings is an understatement!  No entrant went home empty handed; t-shirts were given out to everyone who rode in the parade.  Julian Cheung, a multi-year champion, won his 4th first place prize in just five years with this tripped out bike:

the kid to beat, four years running
(our strategy is to try to go in a different group than he competes in!)

After the judging ended, the games, rides, and activities began.  The baseball fields were suddenly home to pony rides, bounce houses and slides, and several games.

the Heiress receives expert coaching during the candy grab

Boys and girls competed in different age groups in the candy grab, 30 yard dash, crab race, and backwards race (great practice for football).  More prize money ensued for the top thee winners in each race.

5 and 6 year old boys line up for the crab race

And while the activities were running, we learned that there is too a such a thing as a free lunch... at least on the 4th of July in Chestnut Hill.  The Bocce Club generously treated everyone to hot dogs, cold drinks and ice cream.  If you didn't make it this year, put it on your calendar now for next year!