How do you celebrate July 4? Jonathan Richter with The Meteor

Even 231 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Indepen-dence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa., citizens all across the United States express their patriotism by celebrating the fourth of July in their very own unique way.

From hosting barbecues, parades, picnics or baseball games, to lighting up the night's sky with fireworks, there is no limit to how we celebrate the birth of this great nation.

This is ever apparent in our terrific town of Madisonville. Residents across town bubble with talk of preparation for grand celebrations and the carloads of family that come to spend time together.

Local resident, Reverend Jerry High spends his Fourth of July holiday in a way that is special to him and his family.

Reverend High, minister of the Lakeview Baptist Church, usually spends his Fourth of July in Beaumont with his family and friends. Together they eat lots of barbecue and travel downtown to the Civic Center in Beaumont to watch the fireworks.

“It is one of the few times that my family comes together,” said Reverend High. “I enjoy the fellowship that our family is able to share with one another. We share many stories and look back on the history of this fine nation.”

On June 30, the Midway Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual Free Fish Fry & Fireworks Festivity.

Macel Jefferies and his crew will once again be supplying the catfish at this year's festivities. There will be french fries, coleslaw, dessert and tea. The hardworking Midway Volunteer Re-Hab Team members will serve the menu at the fire department building beginning at 4:30 p.m.Gator, the Eighth Texas Artillery Company's civil war cannon, under the command of Lt. Jamie Morgan will return again this year.

“Last year the public really seemed to enjoy seeing the artillery crew at work and hearing the loud boom of Gator,” said Sherry Ferguson, Re-Hab member.

Music will be provided by Donalyn & Cimarron and Coolwater Country. Donalyn & Cimarron will begin playing at 2:30 p.m. at the outdoor concert, located near the Midway Community Center. When the music stops playing, at about 7 p.m., the wrestling will begin. Some wrestlers that are appearing are “Pain”, “Hollywood” Harrison, “Nacho Bizness” and “River Rat”.

To finish up the night's activities, the MVF will present the fireworks display. The sponsors for this year's events are: Safety Design Inc., Alvarado's Tire Service, Frontier Pest Control, Campbell Security, Midway Tire, Vickie's Menagerie, Midway Mini Storage, Wiseman Trailer Sales & Repair, Martha's Kountry Kupboard, D & D Lawn & Tree Service, Fraley's Food Store, Midway Oilfield Constructors, Sam's Barn Construction, Madisonville Service Contractors, Midway City Council Members and the Midway Volunteer Firefighters. The fireworks display will begin at dark. This is a great family event where you will surely hear the “ooo's” and “aww's” of the crowd in attendance.

“We may be a small fire department, but we have heard so many compliments about our fireworks display. many folks tell us that we rival bigger city's displays”, said Fire Chief Lance Ferguson.

Also, the Madison County Ladies Auxiliary Post 8233 will host their annual Fourth of July picnic at the Madison Lake Pavilion. This event will kick things off at 12 p.m. with the annual bell ringing for the 13 original colonies. Guests are invited to bring their bell and rejoice for the freedom of our country. All veterans and their families are welcome to attend this event. Barbecue will be served for lunch and there will be lots of watermelon to enjoy while celebrating a patriotic fun filled afternoon.

Whether you hold a grand celebration with friends or just a small get-together with the family, be sure to have fun. Take the time to reminisce on the rich history of America and remind yourself that freedom does not come free. Most importantly, be safe this holiday and have a fantastic time with your friends and family.