Murphy — From downtown to Konehete Veterans Park was alive with activity Monday to celebrate the Fourth of July, with everything from a kids fishing derby to fireworks helping make the holiday enjoyable for all.
The bouncy house and face painting were hits among the kids, and the anticipation of peanuts falling from the sky with a cash prize for the specially painted nuts was a favorite. For those allergic to peanuts, there were plenty of other things to do.
The day’s activities included arts and craft vendors, field events, a horseshoe tournament and a parade at 5 p.m. The planned hot air balloon rides that were scheduled had to be canceled, however, as the weather conditions were not optimal in keeping with safety guidelines.
Pete Colwell has been a pilot since 1986. The ReMax hot air balloon is one of 200 across the country.
“I stumbled into a balloon rally in Statesville, N.C., many years ago and thought it was interesting and started looking for a balloon, then got my pilot’s license,” he said.
Many people came out for the peanut drop. After a plane dropped its cargo, the field at Konehete Veterans Park was a mass of people running around in an attempt to locate the morsels along with a prize-winning nut.
Katrina Cordell, 10, of Hiwassee Dam, came out for her third year to the event.
“I feel really great, and it’s really hot. At least they have slushies here,” she said, believing wholeheartedly that she would find the winning peanut.
The George family from Boston came out for their first peanut drop.
“We’re excited,” dad said. “We heard from neighbors and other people that it was something exciting to do, so here we are.”
Plenty of people wore red, white and blue attire. Games for all ages kept everyone entertained, including sack races and a water balloon toss. There was a constant line of children waiting to have their faces painted, and Jack Henderson of Brasstown said of the fireworks display, “It was worth the wait.”
To sum up the festivities, craft vendor Courtney Byers of Marble said, “What an amazing turnout. Met so many people and watched so many kids having a blast.”