Greenwood’s patriotism came out a little earlier than the rest of the country’s with the Stars and Stripes Festival Thursday night.
The annual Independence Day celebration moved to a new location this year — the arboretum between the Veterans and Keesler bridges instead of Whittington Park — but was capped off with the same stunning fireworks show.
The Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce hosts the event, and Executive Director Beth Stevens said foot traffic from both sides of town gave Stars and Stripes a “real festival atmosphere” this year.
“I think it turned out better than what we could have hoped for,” she said. “I think we had a very good representation of the entire community out there.”
The new location provided a new form of recreation: boating. A parade of boats, decked out in red, white and blue, floated down the Yazoo River.
Stevens said people seemed to enjoy the parade, which attracted nine participants in its first year. Stephen Hambrick won the parade competition. Second went to Billy Whittington and Tallahatchie Flats, and third was Cody Horn.
The fireworks team shot off the colorful explosives from the Veterans Bridge, which Stevens said allowed it to do things it couldn’t if the fireworks had been shot from the ground.
“We think the fireworks show was the best we ever had,” she said.
Before nightfall, crowds congregated on the shady perimeter. Children bounced wildly in the play area, and adults chewed on barbecue ribs while listening to live music from the West Singers and then the King Edward blues band.
After the sun set and things cooled down, more people moved toward the spacious central field.
The event started at 6 p.m. with a children’s parade. Kids donned American-themed bucket caps and walked to the main stage, where Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and American Legion Post 29 led a patriotic program.
Names of more than 100 veterans were placed on placards along the levee behind the Veterans Monument. Stevens said they’ll remain up through the Fourth of July weekend.
Keith Chapman won a Viking Range Corp. package through a United Way of Leflore County raffle. The raffle raised $4,733, down from last year’s $6,500.
Stars and Stripes took several steps to promote a family-friendly atmosphere: No alcohol was allowed, and politicians couldn’t campaign.
Emcee Thomas Gregory, Greenwood’s chief administrative officer, said the event was a family reunion for the whole city.
Tonjya Powell agreed. She had taken her family out to its first Stars and Stripes on Thursday and arrived early to stake out a prime spot for the fireworks show.
“It’s a nice family outing. It’s great to have everybody out fellowshipping with each other,” she said. “It is a family treat.”
Stevens said there were no major logistical issues, although some people said parking was a problem. However, based on the number of people there, she said it didn’t seem to deter people from attending.
Some also expressed concern about the Veterans Bridge being closed. Stevens said the chamber may see if the fireworks team can reduce its setup time next year so the bridge won’t be closed for so long. City officials shut it down at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
• Contact Charlie Smith at csmith@gwcommonwealth.com.
