"On the Fourth of July, how nice to have a little prize," said Yi Liu, after he won a game of Bingo at the Bready Park festivities on Sunday. The biggest win of this Fourth of July celebration, however, was over the thundercloud that threatened in the sky, but failed to burst and spoil the fun.
Despite the clouds, the crowd of 400 or so mostly left their umbrellas at home. Instead they brought flags, food, cameras, Frisbees, quilts and lawn chairs. Rain? "Not now, no problem," said Pablo Contrenas.
Renditions by the Bel Airs of oldies such as "Johnny B. Goode," and "That'll Be the Day," enhanced the upbeat mood of the crowd. People danced to the familiar songs while they waited in line for funnel cake and ice cream.
Karen and Ashley Oldaker from Centerville, who came to Bready Park from another Fourth of July celebration, especially appreciated the Bel Airs' style. "The other place was playing this awful heavy-metal music," said Ashley Oldaker. "Here there's kids and nice music."
"It's nice, it's beautiful," said Jenny Lano, as she played with her 18-month-old son among the Frisbee throwers and soccer players. On the other side of the fence, children hula hooped, raced in potato sacks and threw beanbags at a holey clown.
Some children played Bingo with the adults on the sheltered picnic tables. "N23," said the caller, whose microphone had failed. "N23," said all who could hear him, for the benefit of those farther away.
Katie Le danced with her 3-month-old daughter, Megan, in her arms. "We're having a great time. It's just a lot of fun for families."