Family tradition plays big role at Harrisburg Fourth
HARRISBURG - Haley Shelby grew up in Harrisburg and coming to the fairgrounds on July 4 with her family to watch the fireworks has remains a family tradition about which she is passionate.
"We have been coming every year for longer than I can remember," Shelby said.
She did it as a girl with her parents, and now she does with her own little boy, Syler. They come early to enjoy the whole atmosphere created by the live entertainment, vendors, and the inflatable "bouncy house" for the children.
Candy Summers from Harrisburg also comes to the fairgrounds annually with her children and grandchildren. This year is special because her cousin recently relocated to southern Illinois from Colorado and was able to enjoy the celebration with the rest of the family.
"It's all fun," Summers said as she explained her family's love of the fireworks, entertainment, and community activities. "We like to go to all of the vendors, though funnel cakes and french fries are my favorites."
Between 400-500 people were expected at this year's celebration in Harrisburg. Around 350 pyrotechnic shells were set ablaze in a light show that was scheduled to last around half an hour. However, the evening was not by any means limited to fireworks. Natalie Miller, city commissioner, said the evening also recognizes area veterans and that the singing of the national anthem by Teresa Pankey, or "Mama T," is a tradition.
The local Air Evac Lifeteam came, and children enjoyed seeing the helicopter up close and talking with members of the team.
Jerry and Lisa Hutcheson drove from McLeansboro with granddaughters, Brooklin, 7, and Paisley, 2, to see Last Call Band from Harrisburg. The Hutchesons first heard the band at last year's celebration and liked it so well they came back for the music alone.
Many of the Saline County vendors at the event have gotten to know each other over the years, and grown into a community of their own.
Jerod Campbell and his wife, Jennifer, greatly enjoy their business.
"We started selling kettle corn a couple of years ago just as something on the side that we could do together," Jerod said.
This was Miller's first year directing the celebration. She took the reins at the beginning of May when the former mayor, state Sen. Dale Fowler, asked her. In the last eight weeks, Miller raised $17,000 for the festivities.
She said they are already planning for next year's celebration and "it will be even bigger and better."