A great day for a celebration! Steeleville's Fourth of July parade and picnic

Memorial Hospital in Chester had the first place float in the business category at the Steeleville Fourth of July parade. In keeping with the theme, "Great American TV Shows," the hospital depicted the populara TV show "M*A*S*H." Also in the business category, second place went to First State Bank of Campbell Hill and third place went to Island Breeze. More photos of Steeleville's celebration are on Page 6. At right, the French Marines, de Forte de Chartres, led by Commander Don Martin, gave their traditional musket salute to hail the closing of the 2018 "Let Freedom Ring" celebration on Kaskaskia Island July 4. See story on Page 4.

First State Bank of Campbell Hill had their float set to the theme of "The Beverly Hillbillies" TV show during the Steeleville Fourth of July parade.

The Eubanks Family found a nice shady sport to watch the Steeleville Fourth of July parade.

The Ainad Temple Shriner perform manueveers on motorcycles at the Steeleville Fourth of July parade. Shot by Shields photo

At left, Harrison Hunter enjoys a fish sandwich with his mom, Jules, while brother Calvin looks over the Steeleville Fourth of July picnic. The Ainad Temple Shriners, right, perform manuevers on motorcycles at the Steeleville Fourth of July parade.

The Steeleville Chamber of Commerce float won first place in the organizational category at the Fourth of July Parade in Steeleville. St. Mark's Lutheran Church won second and the Steeleville Jaycees won third in the organizational category. Shot by Shields photo

Harper Jany and Penelope Seymour, both 5 years old, take the front seat while Piper Seymour and Maren Jany, both 2 years old, ride in the back of the carnival ride at the Fourth of July picnic in Steeleville. All are from Chester. Gwendy Garner photo

Left to right, 7-year-old Morgan Nanney and 9-year-old Kendall Nanney of Chester, prepare to ride the Dragon Wagon at the Fourth of July picnic in Steeleville.