‘Fun alternative’ as historic ranch hosts annual Independence Day event

       The downtown's once-annual Saturday, July 4 fireworks show was cancelled this year, but Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site will provide a “fun alternative” with its annual “Family Fourth” event on Independence Day, says ranch interpreter Elizabeth Barber.
       Various activities are scheduled in keeping with the 1880s style of the city-owned ranch between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
       Prices are $6 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors and children.
       Here is the schedule (subject to change):
       10 a.m. to 3 p.m., different types of watermelon contests next to the blacksmith's shop.
       10:15-4:15, Garden Shed Candy Scrambles near the barn.
       10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., carnival games in the barn.
       11 a.m., “America the Beautiful,” read by Katharine Lee Bates (portrayed by Robin Sutherland), in front of the Rock Ledge House.
       Noon-12:30 and 1-1:30 p.m., patriotic music by the Fountain Creek Brass Band outside the Orchard House.
       12:30 p.m., the Declaration of Independence, read by General William Palmer (Dave Harmon) with “special guest” Thomas McLaren (Alex Scherer) in front of the Orchard House.
       1:45 and 2:45 p.m., the Gettysburg Address, read by President Abraham Lincoln (Merell Folsom) at the Galloway Homestead cabin.
       Ongoing (no set times):
       - Live old-time music by the Beedles in front of the Rock Ledge House.
       - Civil War Encampment, including demonstrations on Civil War medicine and surgery by Bob Mallin, M.D., in the big field near the barn.
       - Revolutionary War encampment, in the big field.
       - Julia Archibald Holmes (the “bloomer girl”), different locations.
       - Wagon rides, tractor rides, rope-making.
       The 230-acre ranch is off Gateway Road, just west of 30th Street.

Westside Pioneer/press releases