Thursday’s Youth Fishing Derby at Faurot Park gave families a unique way to celebrate the July 4 holiday together.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — Wet weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of those gathered Thursday to celebrate the birth of this nation.
In celebration of Independence Day, Lima community members gathered at Faurot Park for the city’s Star Spangled Spectacular. The event was held despite the rainy weather, which did not stop residents from participating in the festivities. From the morning 5K run/walk to the afternoon fishing derby, there were plenty of activities for the family to enjoy.
Steve Sons celebrated the Fourth of July by joining the annual Veterans Appreciation Car Cruise-In show.
“I brought a 1956 Ford pickup,” Sons said. “It has Mustang two-front suspension and an Explorer rear suspension. It has been updated. It has a Coyote 5.0 engine and I have had it for a year and a half.”
Sons said he purchased this classic example of American automotive prowess as an inheritance for his children.
“I bought my first truck in 1984 in Texas,” Sons said. “I made it a hot rod in 1990 and then I blew it up. I fixed it then blew it up again. I was going to sell it, then my daughter said, ‘You can’t. If you gave me this truck I would never sell it.’ Then I told my son, ‘I can’t give her one and not give you one.’ I found this one in North Carolina and put a motor and transmission in. This will be his.”
According to Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services President Bob Laman, the goal of the show is to raise money for the veterans food pantry.
“It is something we love to do every year,” Volunteer Andy Maravola said. “We get together the car guys and do it for the veterans. A lot of people come out and talk about their old experiences. We enjoy seeing the camaraderie.”
Dozens of participants brought their cars. The park had Trolley rides available from the Lima/Allen County RTA, and food trucks were also on site. Residents also participated in the annual fishing derby.
“The fishing derby has been going on for several years now,” Chief Park Ranger Randy Kohli said. “We stock the pond. Every kid that comes and participates gets to be a part of it. Each participant gets to go home with a fishing pole from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.”
The celebration was set to continue at Faurot Park with entertainment by the Lima Area Concert Band. With rainy weather clearing later in the day, organizers decided to move forward with its 10 p.m. fireworks show, a spectacle visible to much of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
