Fireworks lit up the Miss-Lou’s skies and decorated boats paraded through Lake St. John during an event-filled Fourth of July weekend.

Before we prepare for the week ahead, let’s take a look back at some of the highlights of last week:

-Residents and visitors to Lake St. John gathered to watch a 34-boat procession during the annual Flotilla, which can only be described as a Mardi Gras parade on water. Some boats showcased traditional red, white and blue decorations while others displayed wacky themes during the annual Miss-Lou event. We’re glad to see the flotilla continue and even happier to see no injuries were reported from the event.

-Crowds gathered along both sides of the Mississippi River to watch a few explosions of color in the skies during the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. The display is one that helps bring our community together and even lures residents from around the region. 

-Deborah Gould and Alfred Lewis are two volunteers who help keep the food pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church running each week. Gould works as the intake clerk, while Lewis is the assistant director of the program. The program helps feed the less fortunate in the area and, church leaders say, it would not be possible to operate without the help of Gould and Lewis. We thank them for giving back to their church and community.

Plenty of good news occurred throughout our area last week, but perhaps the best news was that American independence celebrated its 238th birthday. Let’s remember the actions taken then by the men who signed the Declaration of Independence and all those who have defended our freedoms since.