Summers are typically filled with a variety of celebrations and this past weekend brought more festivities to Riverbank and throughout the Central Valley to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary. Before the fireworks began in an annual show at Woodward Reservoir on Saturday evening, residents from The City of Action came out in the morning to show their patriotic spirit at the community’s Fourth of July Bicycle Parade.
From toddlers to teens and beyond, everyone displayed their ‘Semiquincentennial Spirit’ through their red, white and blue attire, some even attaching balloons to themselves and their bikes, wagons and scooters. For Daniel and Meriah Conchas, it was a family affair, with their little one DJ and his ‘Meemaw’ accompanying them on the route.
“This is a lot of fun and we are happy to be here celebrating the Fourth with our family,” said Daniel Conchas.
This is the second year that Love Riverbank and the City of Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department have worked together to bring this event to the community with this year’s event concluding at the Community Center where folks were treated to root beer floats and hot dogs along with a dip in the community pool if they were so inclined.
“This is just such a fun event for everyone and we have had such a wonderful turnout. We’re really excited this year because a drone is going to capture the event and play it on Facebook for everyone to enjoy,” said Mary Wolgamot, retired educator and Love Riverbank volunteer.
Among the cyclists, volunteers from American Veterans First, a local non-profit, were on hand to share information about the resources AVF provides for veterans and first responders.
“We wanted to meet people and let them know about the many things we do to help veterans and first responders. We connect them with resources and we have Food Fellowship Fridays where they can meet others that have served and share a good meal and meet some new friends,” said Thelma Louise Gibson, volunteer with AVF.
Gibson, along with her fellow volunteers Diane Talbert and Lori Davison have all experienced the toll that war can take on veterans and their families and are proud to give back to those that have given so much for their country. The American Veterans First Center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday and hosts Food Fellowship Fridays three Fridays a month.
With all of the recent celebrations honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, including the Riverbank bicycle parade, Oakdale’s All American Bash and many others throughout the Valley and across the nation, many residents have remarked that they have much to be grateful for, including the first responders and veterans that have served and are currently serving to ensure that freedom and liberty for all continue to be part of the fabric that defines what it means to be an American.
