Happy Birthday America, from Claremont, California

It was a day of spirit. A spirit not just of red, white and blue, but of freedom, democracy, action, common cause, of community and neighbors. Spirit. Spirit is the reason the young scout, above, gets to lead off this post. Standing in the middle of the street, spirit swirled around me in tri-colored flashes, swept along with excited laughter, carried and shared along the street from smiling face to smiling face. Claremont is not unique in the way we celebrate Independence Day - the 5-K run, Rotary pancake breakfast, afternoon festival in the park, parade, and ending with fireworks and music in the evening, but the spirit that the community brings to the day makes it one of a kind. Happy 4th of July everyone!

who said kids don't ride bikes anymore - in Claremont they do!

just saying, but if I had that many rockets on my bike, I would be fast. you wouldn't even see me

mom would have been happy to see the Girl Scouts serving as color guard

  

four out of five Council Members on bikes; that is a winning percentage

appreciative audience

high school marching band

some riders drove today - hey Carla

terrific flying float from Granite Creek

  

These photos and more can be found in this album.