Independence Day was alive and well just a few miles down the road on Saturday.
The annual Chenoa Fourth of July celebration did not disappoint as it gave area residents something to do during a most unusual summer. Dwayne Price, city council member and streets commissioner, said the city felt honored to have a parade since many nearby towns did not.
“We tried to have as many of the traditions as possible,” Price said. “We had a couple of ladies here in town that picked up the ball and ran with it for the flea market and the Fourth of July Committee did an outstanding job of making the parade happen.”
Price was pleased the fireworks happened, even though they were strictly aerial with no ground displays. Spectators could be found near the football field, along Old Route 66 and parked up and down the country roads to enjoy the display.
Everything happened due to plenty of hard work and jumping through hoops which was not easy, according to Price.
“I just praise God that we got what we got.”
In addition to serving on the city council, Price also is involved with the VFW and Red Carpet Corridor.
Erich Murphy has been covering the parade for several years representing the Pontiac Daily Leader and Fairbury Blade newspapers. He lives a half mile from Chenoa and typically photographs the flags at the start of the parade and follows the procession down the street to the Baptist Church.
“I’m fortunate that from my front porch, my wife and I can watch the fireworks,” Murphy explained.
Chenoa Fourth committee member Mark Johnson acknowledges the group is busy throughout the year raising money for the annual event.
“We start out every year with the pancake and sausage breakfast we do with the fire department then we have the community sale, which this year was cancelled because of the virus.”
Other fundraisers during the year include the road rally on the Sunday prior to the Fourth and a golf cart raffle.
