I’ve had a thing for small town squares as long as I can remember.  I love the nostalgia of it all.  The local mom-and-pop shops, the casual atmosphere, and the architecture of the buildings.  Life just seems simpler on a square.  Through the years as I’ve drug Cowboy from square to square through Texas and beyond, I’ve always thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to live in a town like this?”

Well since moving to the farm, now we do!  Granted, we’re several miles outside of town, but the square is close enough for a quick stroll, checking out the Saturday farmer’s market, or popping into my favorite shops for that perfect gift.  But I have to say one of my all time favorite activities every year is the Fourth of July Parade that comes right through town and passes in front of our courthouse.

When the patriotic music is playing and our town, state, and country pride is on display, it just about feels like you are in a Norman Rockwell painting. The kids bring bags to collect candy being thrown from the entries, vintage cars and tractors shine like new, and we all rally together for a few moments in pure happiness and thankfulness to live where we do.

So to honor my small town, here are some great photos from this year’s entries.  We’d love to hear how you celebrated the Fourth in your town, so please be sure to share your stories and photos, too!

The parade enters the square, led by a family of military veterans.

Getting prepared to start the parade with our national anthem.

No parade is complete without our local heroes. Spark the fire dog is always a hit!

Gotta love the old cars. Willys are a favorite for Cowboy.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, an amazing local place, driving their giraffe van!

Love the old car with the courthouse in the back.

Here comes the tractor – pulling some wonderfully patriotic folks.

Love the patriotic people and their pooch. Every parade needs a pooch!

An oldie but goodie. Farmalls are another favorite for Cowboy.

The local 4H club gets in on the act.

The local churches are big supporters of the community. It’s great to see them in the parade every year.

What’s a parade without horses? Especially love their trusty heeler leading the way. (See if you can spot the local beekeepers on the left!)

And every set of horses needs a little sparkle as they bring up the rear.

Love the bunting that lines the town buildings announcing Independence Day!

P.S. – Cowboy jokes that my perfect spot in this world is 100 acres on a square.  Needless to say, we’ve yet to find that unicorn, but that is perfectly okay.  The farm makes me happier than I’ve ever been.