OTT: City, clubs celebrate America's independence

Left, newlyweds Tony and Debbie Izzard of Detroit hold hands and enjoy the music during Red, White & KABOOM!. Right, Magdalena Hinojosa holds her dachshund Lucy while waiting for her to compete in the wiener dog races.

The Blade/Amy E. Voigt
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Left, newlyweds Tony and Debbie Izzard of Detroit hold hands and enjoy the music during Red, White & KABOOM!. Right, Magdalena Hinojosa holds her dachshund Lucy while waiting for her to compete in the wiener dog races.

“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, those days of soda and pretzels and beer” (thanks to Hans Carste and Charles Tobias.)

Family fun and the Fourth of July made for a great weekend with barbecues, music, games, swimming, golf, tennis, boating, and fireworks.

The granddaddy of the sparkling fireworks displays was Red, White, KABOOM! in downtown Toledo over the Maumee River presented by The Blade and other sponsors. People were everywhere — on land and on boats — but all quiet except for “oohs” and “aahs” as colors exploded into the sky. The economy may not be so hot, but the show lit up the sky and the spirits of everyone watching. Many folks recalled when the Toledo fireworks shows were at Walbridge Park and agreed that they have come along way since then, but the memories remain fresh even as new ones are created.

Country clubs also were busy over the weekend.

Left, Mary Lou Falzone and Ron Folger on the patio at the Sylvania Country Club's Fourth of July picnic. Right, Norm Johnston of Rossford holds his 21-month-old grandson, Terrance O'Donnell of Columbus at the Belmont Country Club picnic.

About 550 Toledo Country Club members and guests enjoyed the picnic dinner featuring barbecue ribs, burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, watermelon, ice cream and more than 500 homemade red, white, and blue frosted cupcakes. An additional 200 or more members and guests came just to enjoy the children's activities: inflatables, face painting, crafts, and of course, the fireworks at dusk.

Many members at Sylvania Country Club enjoyed their playground for fun in the sun, then joined in for a giant picnic before the fireworks show.

Folks at Belmont Country Club played games and listened to music before feasting on a traditional picnic fare — but the real treat was the ice cream novelties for dessert that brought out the young at heart in everyone before the fireworks display.

Stone Oak Country Club makes it a grand neighborhood affair with a carnival atmosphere followed by fireworks. All those people, yet it was so peaceful.

Left, attending the Stone Oak Country Club carnival are, front from left, Lillian Rice, 4, Gabbi D'Amico, 6, and Ellie Rice, 7. Back from left, Mabel Rice, Maria Rice, 10, Bella Bernardo, and Ken Rice. Right, Liz Foreman, left, adn Zoe Poling ath the Toledo Country Club Celebration.

More fun is ahead during these wonderful summer days. Stay tuned!