Shining with patriotism

By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

RUSSELL -- "Thank you!" 5-year-old Danielle Bourland shouted, rushing onto Main Street to scoop up handfuls of candy.

Bourland was among the many children equipped with plastic bags Saturday morning as the second annual Patriotic Parade moved slowly down the street.

Sure, there was plenty of candy flying through the air. But many adults in the audience looked pleasantly surprised when they caught a special treat intended just for them -- a plastic bag filled with smoked pork ribs.

Jon Birky, owner of Klema's Hometown Market, purchased a meat smoker about eight weeks ago and thought the parade was a good opportunity to use it.

"The dads always get left out, and the moms get left out because the kids get the candy," Birky said. "So I thought it was just something different to do for a parade."

The parade was only part of a day jammed full of activities. The community celebrated independence with a day of old-fashioned fun. Other events included a talent and firework show.

While Danielle Bourland was quick to agree the best part of the morning was getting the candy, her father also was pleased with his catch.

"They're pretty good," Donnel Bourland said.

The family was out for the day with their neighbor, Rita Galyardt. By the time the parade started at 11 a.m., it already had been a long day full of festivities.

The couple's other daughter, Christianna Pruden, participated in an early-morning race, then rushed home to prepare a pie for an afternoon homemade pie contest.

Her mother, Christina Bourland, said the family was happy to stay in their hometown for the event.

"It's nice to be able to stay home and have things to do -- to not have to travel," Bourland said.

From the parade, it was on to VFW Post No. 6240, where a variety of activities and summer foods awaited the crowd.

A petting zoo proved to be a favorite with the children, who gathered for a chance to pet, and even feed, friendly barnyard animals.

Abby Jones, 8, Hays, grabbed a handful of grass to feed a hungry horse named Babe. She'd been around horses before and loves animals, her mother JoAnn Jones said.

"She loves horses," she said. "She wants to be a vet when she gets older."

Jones and her four children were in Russell for the day to visit family. The kids all had the opportunity to walk in the parade, with Abby Jones leading the family pet, a poodle named Alex.

But despite all the fun with her furry friends, Abby Jones said her favorite part of the holiday remains the same.

"Getting to do firecrackers," she said.