Bessemer celebrates nation's independence

BESSEMER - While rain showers forced the cancellation of some area Fourth of July events Wednesday, the skies cleared as the day went on and Bessemer's parade went off as planned.

The downtown's streets were lined with people watching the festivities; which included a range of floats, candidates running for office and various bands.

Near the tail end of the parade was one of the more anticipated entries - the results of the Bessemer Fourth of July 50/50 drawing. The winning ticket was 66187, with the ticket holder expected to claim a prize of $34,681.

The parade also featured several costumed groups. These included members of the local Society for Creative Anachronism groups, who sword-fought their way along the parade route, and the Janesville Fife & Drum Corps.

The corps has been taking part in Bessemer's Fourth of July festivities for roughly 20 years, according to the driver of the support vehicle.

While most, if not all, groups put forth their best efforts for the parade; only one could win each of the parade's categories.

The Gustafson family's "Uncle Sam salutes the USA" entry was named best decorated in the parade, the float "Honoring all vets: The calvary of soldiers of sadness and representing soldiers who never made it home" was selected as most patriotic, the Bessemer Class of 1968 took home honors for most unique entry and the Bessemer Little League was selected as best children's fundraiser.

While area residents got the chance to take in the parade, fans of the annual children's parade weren't so lucky.

While it had been planned to take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, a thunderstorm forced the cancellation of the event.

Following the parade, much of the crowd travelled a few blocks north to Massie Field where Marty's Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps were scheduled to perform prior to the Thunder on the Mountain fireworks display.