Bessemer flings American banner high

By Tom Stankard

Bessemer - "Bombs" bursted in air over Massie Field during the breathtaking "Thunder on the Mountain" fireworks display Monday evening to complete a week-long "Bessemer Blast" Fourth of July celebration.

Sitting on lawn chairs and blankets, hundreds, if not thousands, came to Massie Field to watch.

Before the show, Marty's Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps performed a variety of patriotic songs to entertain the crowd.

The audience oohed and awed as fireworks bursted into the evening.

Earlier in the day at Massie Field, children and their families competed in games and races.

American flags waived in the wind on Sophie Street as people lined the streets for the day's festivities.

Children marched or rode on bikes and floats down Sophie Street during the kid's parade early in the afternoon.

Patriotic songs echoed as the Bessemer high school band marched the parade route before the parade as a sort of preview of more to come.

Alyssa Schwab sang the "Star Spangled Banner" at the judges table to start the parade.

A fleet of Gogbeic County Sheriff's Department police cars and the Klassic Cruisers led the way.

Close behind, more than 30 floats and entertainers traveled up and down Galena, Moore, Sophie and Silver streets.

Organizers were happy with the mix of entrants.

Bessemer Fourth of July Parade Chair Randy Broemer said the parade had wide variety this year.

"We hope to get everyone back again next year."

Floats were judged in four categories - most patriotic, most unique, best decorated, and best promotion for a child's fundraiser.

The last float featured the winning 50-50 ticket number. The winning ticket number is 11622, worth a prize of $33,490. Last year's prize was $30,494.

Over the past week, Bessemer hosted a variety of activities for all ages. There were games for kids and adults, a mud run, music and dances, helicopter rides, fundraising meals and a the annual Bessemer Hometown Run.