Greenbelt Cooperator

Independence Day Activities Attract 8000 For Fun, Games and Fireworks

An estimated crowd of 8,000 people flocked to the lake last Monday night to witness a long, thrilling display of fireworks which culminated a full day of activity in Greenbelt in celebration of Independence Day. Families from in and out of Greenbelt drove, walked and rode (piggy-back) to the lake picnic area for the annual event. Before the fireworks display, games and pony rides were enjoyed and just prior to the main event minor displays of released helium-filled balloons amused the crowd.

The day began with an hour-long parade of floats, military marching units, baton twirlers and rescue and fire trucks from the surrounding area. Leading the parade were mounted state police, followed by the Chief of Police and his assistant in a brand-new Corvette. Chief "Laughing Bull" and his protege "Grinning Calf", genuine pseudo-Sioux Indians, rode their faithful ponies.

Many youngsters from the city drove decorated bikes. 4

Following the parade a day-long series of events took place at the lake area, halted only temporarily by rain. The weather turned somewhat cooler in the evening, but this deterred no one.

Prize-winners for the parade were:

Trophies to: (1) Best appearing pumper apparatus - Branchville; (2) Oldest piece of motor apparatus in service - Kentland; (3) Company from farthest distance in service - Forestville; (4) Ladies auxiliary best appearance in line of march - Beltsville; (5) Best appearing ambulance - Laurel; (6) Best equipped rescue truck - Hyattsville.

Best commercial float - GVHC; best civic float Community Church; best youth float - Little League; best horse-drawn vehicle - Cipriano's.

The following were awarded prizes, but the children have not called for their awards. They are asked to contact Ben Goldfaden to receive their prizes: best decorated bicycle 94; best decorated wagon - 72; best costume, girl - 39; best costume, boy - 41.