But I’ve seen it all in a small town
Had myself a ball in a small town
Married an L.A. doll and brought her to this small town
Now she’s small town just like me…

(John Mellincamp-Small Town)

With the Fourth of July Independence-Day celebrations coming up soon, I always think of the celebrations across small town America. They always seem to be the embodiment of a traditional Fourth of July celebration. From the eastern locale of places like Lakota, North Dakota or the northwestern charm of Forks, Washington State, they know how to celebrate.

Let’s zoom in a take a look at small-town America.

As the land-rush spread out across America, small towns sprung up like water from a well. People who had nothing in their native-country found the American dream here with a small parcel of land that they could grow crops on and a modest house they could call their own.

Many towns were established along rivers for commerce, especially great rivers like the mighty Mississippi of which this picture shows the start (headwaters) of the Mighty Miss.

Lush, fertile farmlands allowed America’s mid-west to feed the world.

Great grain silos and long trains shipped the grains across the country.

Great implements of production worked the fields and became household names. These companies, such as John Deere, Caterpiller, Fordson and others worked the endless fields that stretched across the horizons.

Trucks were well used, but much appreciated. Many stand now as tributes to their former capacity.

The battles between Ford and Chevrolet were never fought harder than in farm country.

A very strong faith-base exsists in most (if not all) small communities, bringing them together.

Many of the communities of the country have beautifully maintained homes regardless of the brutality of the elements or the wealth of the community. Civic pride runs strong in these communities.

With a “Uff Da” and a smile, the locals will make you feel safe and welcome!

Even if thier roads are only paved with dirt….

It’s here, on the Main Streets of middle America where all the fun begins for the fourth.

Even if the speed limit is only 15 miles-per-hour.

Main Streets across America, from east to West prepare themselves to celebrate America’s Independence!

The very soldiers who maintain our freedoms are always a big part of the celebrations, here are some retired Marines standing proud.

The Community Band provides some music along the parade route…..

Even the participants of the upcoming Destruction Derby join the parade (before their cars are mangled bits of metal)!

Residents old and young celebrate as only these communities can.

Invited guests join in to share their vehicles with the celebrants…

…and the Shriners show up and continue to help kids all across America.

No minimum, or maximum ages are in effect, allowing all the townspeople to participate.

Patriotism knows no bounds…

Even the furry show their colors!

After the Parade, the whole town goes down to the Park for the great Turkey Bar-b-que.

…and a lone Harley glides down Main Street passing the flags and bunting of the parade route.

at the end of the day, even the mighty mill stands silent.

Too much fun.

This is dedicated to all those who keep us safe and secure.

Happy Fourth of July!

All pictures ©2006 JimDennewill. Taken with a Nikon D1x, and Nikon D70. Sigma 15-30 zoom lens, Nikon 18-35mm Zoom lens,Velbon Tripod, SanDisk Compact Flash cards