Range Call

It's the biggest weekend in town... family, friends and tourists come from all over to participate in all the festivities. It's called Range Call because back in the day it was the only reason to call all the cowboys off the range and into town... and there is still plenty trace of the pioneer history of Meeker during all the Independence Day events!

Of course, we modify all our activities to suit our preferences... we skip the rodeos, the live country music concerts, the barn dances and the big Pageant. But we manage to stay busy all the same!

PART I: the pig roast

We spent all day Saturday with good friends and great food - pulled pork that had been roasted all morning over a back yard spit!

PART II: the carnival

As always, the crowds came out to ride rides and eat cotton candy! And while Hamp was too busy running around with friends to stand still enough for a picture, Jason managed to capture Sam's uncertainty about getting on any of the rides! He eventually (reluctantly) agreed to get on the swings with me... and had a great time!

PART III: the parade

Sunday morning we got up and out to meet our good friends for the parade! The boys were all decked out in their new shirts...

... here's a close-up of Sam's tee!!!

Now, Meeker's parade is funny to me... there are all kinds of cultural references unique to our area.

First, and not so out-of-place is the Royalty...

... then there is all the antique ranching equipment...

... and of course, the hunting references!

There are also tributes to the pioneers days...

... and the native residents of the valley!

It's a fun day of celebration with good friends... and of course, it wouldn't be complete without a snow cone!

PART IV: the fireworks

We happen to have a great view of the fireworks from our own backyard! So after an afternoon storm came in and cooled everything off, we bundled up, made sure Sam had his noise-reduction ear phones on (!) and the boys fell asleep while we ended a great day with some beautiful, bright lights in the sky.