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4 July 2016 - Independence Day in Mason
Once again Independence Day in Mason started off with a classic car show in the town square on three of the four streets surrounding the famous Ingham County Courthouse building from 9am till 4pm. I had a bit of a headache so I avoided spending too much time there with all the hubbub going on (loud music, announcements on loudspeakers, large crowds of people) but there are always some good photo opportunities.
After the car show the participants in the traditional 4th of July parade start assembling in the Mason High School parking lot at 6pm. A number of the cars go directly from the show to the parade. By 7:30 everything is ready to start the parade. We are then treated to a real American small town parade with lots of fire engines, classic tractors, Mason High School band, politicians, children and various novel entries.
When dark falls there is a big fireworks display, normally at the Ingham County Fairgrounds grandstand. This year it was on Temple Street, which runs next to the fairgrounds. Good viewing sites are at the fairgrounds, Mason High School, the Middle School and Rayner Park, where many people park their cars when going to the fairgrounds. The old grandstand is being replaced with a new Exposition Center with attached bleachers, scheduled to be ready for the annual County Fair the first week of August. There were rumors that the fireworks display would be cancelled due to the dry conditions, but given that the display is sponsored by the Dansville and Mason Fire Departments I had confidence that there would be no fire issues.
Below are a selection of photos of all phases of the day's activiies.
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