Local residents of all ages lined up Friday for pieces of cake the size of their heads and larger at Lemoore City Park. Hundreds were eager to do their part in finishing the cake that the city annually serves up to celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence. This year's attendees finished the 27 sheet cake in less than two hours.

The cake was among a list of many attractions at the park on Friday, as a slightly larger crowd than last year showed up to mark their patriotism and have some fun. On Friday evening, several thousand more local residents poured into Neighbor Bowl at Hanford High School for some more patriotic festivities and a fireworks display. Hanford's 2008 fireworks at the bowl were a mark of community support as the event's 55th year represented a funding transition from being sponsored by Rotary Club to becoming a community sponsored event.

The Lemoore High School cheerleaders began the day by serving breakfast, which was followed by the third annual Red, White and Blue Parade, sponsored by Lemoore's Chamber of Commerce. Cheerleader Jillian Chastain, 14, said the annual festivities were important because "it gets everybody involved and everyone has fun." She estimated the cake she helped serve to be "the size of a twin size bed," though it might have been even larger.

On Friday evening, Chastain sat on a blanket at Neighbor Bowl with three friends from Hanford High and prepared to watch the fireworks and watch for boys.

There were options at the Lemoore park for every age, with a variety of games, inflatable attractions, food vendors, a hypnotist show and a limbo contest.

Tom Hernandez, recently retired Lemoore parks and recreation director who helped run the festivities for the last 20 years, said the opening ceremonies featuring Lemoore's community choir were the highlight of the day. A flyover from Lemoore Naval Air Station also marked a solemn moment of patriotism.

"They were a little bit on the heavy side but we need that," Hernandez said. "The food is great and the activities are great, but that is all secondary, just icing on the cake."

About 2,500 to 4,000 people annually attend the Independence Day festivities that are a collaboration between the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Navy, Hernandez said. He added that this year's turnout was larger than last year, which he attributed to cooler weather and high gas prices.

Carolyn Arcino, a Lions Club member and local volunteer, manned the information booth for the festivities. Arcino has been involved with the event for several years, and she emphasized that all proceeds from the day go right back into the community. She said her continued involvement in the July 4 festivities all came down to one thing: "my pride in my country."

A few hours later, cars lined the streets for several blocks around Hanford High, as people arrived to enjoy festivities before the fireworks. Families sprawled on blankets across the football field and filled the bleachers.

Lucia Orozco brought her sons, Chris, 8, and Alex, 1, to "relax, celebrate our independence and remember history." Friday was Orozco's second visit to the Neighbor Bowl festivities.

But for some attendees, including Hanford Rotary Club President Bruce Bentley and his wife, Lori, Hanford's fireworks are a tradition that "goes way back." Bentley said he has come to Neighbor Bowl since he was just a child and a visitor to California. This year, Bentley welcomed attendees and led the pledge of allegiance.

"Year after year my family returns," Bentley said. "It has been a part of my whole life."

Sonya Diane Jones, a Christian and R&B singer born and raised in Hanford, sang the national anthem when the evening's official program began. Jones' father and brother served in the military, so the anthem lyrics are close to her heart. For Jones as well, the annual fireworks at Neighbor Bowl are tradition dating back to her childhood. This year, her patriotism continued.

"We should always be proud of our heritage and where we are standing today," Jones said. "We were born in the most awesome country. I am very proud."

Jones was followed by the Hallmark moment of July 4: the fireworks. At dusk, Janelle Sumilong -- who led Hamilton School students in raising $507 to help save the fireworks -- pushed the button to begin the display.

Wayne Kuhn, chairman of the "Save the Fireworks" Committee, described the display beforehand as "absolutely fantastic" -- a fete for an event that stood canceled six months ago, due to rising costs. But Hanford Rotary and members of the "Save the Fireworks" Committee solicited donations from nearly 70 community sponsors and raised all necessary funds for Hanford's 55th annual fireworks.

Friday marked the only day this summer that Neighbor Bowl will have electricity or be open to the public, as the school's transformers are being replaced and the track is being resurfaced. Generators to power lights for Friday night were donated by the City of Hanford and Action Equipment Rental.

Also on Friday evening, the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino presented its Fourth of July extravaganza. The free event included a concert by 1970s Latin-funk-rock-jazz and R&B band War, along with music by local bands.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

(July 5, 2008)