The Arizona Sentinel

YUMA'S GLORIOUS 4th.
Greatest Celebration in the History of the Town.

Yuma's Fourth of July celebration for the year of our Lord, 1906, may be set down as the biggest and best in all its history. The day was hot, but the calorific rays of Old Sol seemed only to strengthen the patriotic enthusiasm, which was everywhere in evidence.

Of course the crack-bang of the nerve-racking fire-cracker held the boards and carried off first prize for continuous and perpetual noise, but there were other noises-In fact the lid was off the noise can. But then what would a 4th of July celebration amount to without noise. It's all right, but lots of folks are glad it doesn't come but once a year.

The celebration began at 9 o'clock with literary exercises at the public school building. There, in the blazing sun, the published programme was carried out. Prof. McClure delivered an historical address, briefly recounting the early struggles of the colonies, and events leading up to the "Declaration of Independence," of the formation of the new republic and its great and wonderful development until now, when it stands without a peer among the nations of the earth. The address was spirited and did justice to the time and occasion, and the same may be said of all that followed--the reading of the "immortal document" by Rev. Ochiltree, and oration of the day by Hon. W. F. Timmons, the sweet singing of the children, the patriotic music of the band-all contributed to the inspiring theme and occasion.

The parade and the ball game filled in the rest of the forenoon and both attracted and interested several thousand people. The ball game was between the Colts and Surveyors. The score was 8 to 5 in favor of the Colts.

The Parade.

Though not up to the standard of some former ones, the parade was on the whole very creditable. No attempt is made here to note the features in order. Leading the procession was a carriage containing old soldiers-four Civil war Union veterans, three ex-confederates, and one ex-Rough Rider. The different business houses were represented, the more conspicuous being-

E. F. Sanguinetti Department Store.
Johnson & Bowles, with an interesting exhibit of their harness department, showing some of their new and up to date machinery in operation.
Spittler & Morris, the Lone Star grocers, with a nice display of groceries, fruits, etc.
The Old Plantation, "My Old Kentucky Home" and the Arizona Club saloons were each represented in creditable turn-outs.
The Yuma Bakery was in line with an attractive display.
The Pioneer Livery and Transfer Co. made a comical showing and a hit with a dilapidated spring wagon, drawn by an ancient nag equipped with a tied up harness, etc., all typical of pioneer days.
The most artistic feature of the parade, as to "make-up" of a character, was that of The Old Prospector.
The balance of the procession was made up of Co. H, N. G. A. in command of Lieut. Johns Ketcherside. The company made a fine appearance.
A bevy of little girls, prettily costumed, in charge of Prof. McClure.
Many compliments were passed upon the parade; also upon Captain Harry Donkersley, marshal of the day, whose appearance in the saddle was strikingly like that of President Roosevelt. (Beg the Captain's pardon, but this is not a hot-house bouquet, but the simple fact).

The Sports.

The afternoon features were the races, the results of which are here given:
Prize Winners
The following is the list of prize winners in yesterday's contests:
Horse Race: First, Walter Kent; second, Julio Martinez.
Pony Race: First, Valentine; second, Quick.
Girls' Race: First, Eva Levy; second, Lossie Willis.
Boys' Sack Race: First, Arthur Ramirez; second, Eddie Ramirez.
Boys' Three-Legged Race: First, Connor and Godfrey; second, Ramirez and Ecra.
Burro Race: First, Ramirez; second, Hanna.
One Hundred Yard Dash: First, Brainard; second, Martinez.
Fat Man's Race: First, Tucker; second, Donkersley.
Lean Man's Race: First, Ammons; second, Ranciazi.
Three-Legged Race: First, Townsend and Levy; second, Meeden and Martinez.
Sack Race: First, R. Martinez; second, F. Townsend.
Indian Race: First, Christopher; second, Conrad.

Fireworks.

The fireworks display at night from prison hill, was neither gorgeous nor extensive and merely served as a side-show to the main exhibit being conducted by the Almighty on His usual grand scale in the northeastern heavens. The display of the flash, zigzag blends of lightning with the solemn accompaniment of heaven's best artillery was a sublime spectacle, and in contrast, shown as it appeared upon the same back-ground of blue-black sky, made the efforts of the fireworks brigade look like a spent quarter with a half-inch hole in the center. And yet the artificial pyrotechnics were good, as far as they went.

Band Dance
The dance given last evening by the Yuma Concert Band was the most successful affair held in Yuma for many a day. The hall was crowded to suffocation. A snug sum was realized for the band.