Families enjoy old-fashioned Fourth of July

Families enjoy old-fashioned Fourth of July Families from all over the Vermillion area, along with visiting relatives, enjoyed an old-fashioned Fourth of July in Vermillion�s Barstow Park. Families from all over the Vermillion area, along with visiting relatives, enjoyed an old-fashioned Fourth of July in Vermillion�s Barstow Park. Hy-Vee served over 700 free root beer floats during the evening celebration, including a couple to Jennifer Drissen of Omaha, NE, and John Drissen of Rockford, IL, pictured below right, who were here visiting their mother, Emma. Several children participated in a bike rodeo, hosted by the Vermillion Jaycees. At right, Brittany Whelchel of Vermillion gets into the spirit of the holiday by decorating her bicycle with the stars and stripes. Other events included the Rotary �celebrity dunk tank� and a live broadcast from the park by KVHT-KOSZ. After the sun set, Independence Day celebrants were treated to a special display of fireworks of all different shapes and hues. The photo above illustrates just one of the majestic blasts that inspired the crowd watching from Barstow Park. And before the smoke cleared, plans had already started for next year�s celebration, according to Bonnie Sorensen, manager of the Vermillion Area Chamber of Commerce. (Photos by Bill Willroth Sr. � fireworks � and M. Jill Sundstrom)