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An Extraordinary 4th
By Paige Burns
NEW MADISON- The July 4th Independence Day celebration in New Madison
was anything but ordinary. With the placement of a plaque commemorating
President Lincoln, New Madison had multiple reasons for celebration on
this year’s Independence Day.
A public celebration of Independence Day was held in front of the
Tri-Village school, where activities, contests, and games were held.
Some people set up tents to sell goods, and others brought food
concessions to the celebration.
The Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker contest was a highlight of the
celebration, where parents dressed their kids up in patriotic 4th of
July outfits. Baseball tournaments were held for kids beside the school
next to the playgrounds, where parents set up canopies and sat on the
beds of their pickup trucks to watch the games.
“I had fun playing baseball with my friends,” said Maddy Taylor, an 8th
grade Tri-Village student.
These games and contests brought the community a little closer together
on Independence Day this year.
Right up the road from the school, a dedication ceremony took place in
front of the New Madison Public Library to celebrate the placement of
the Lincoln Funeral Train Marker. This marker serves to commemorate the
Lincoln Funeral Train that passed through New Madison in 1865.
After President Lincoln’s assassination, his body was transported to
Springfield, Illinois, via train. When the train cut across Drake
County, residents of New Madison gathered in respect for the lost
president.
Thanks to the New Madison Kiwanis Club, this marker will be a sight to
see in the small town of New Madison for years to come.
Following the dedication ceremony of the Lincoln Funeral Train Marker,
a parade took to the streets. The Tri-Village middle school band
paraded downtown along with local fire and police departments and
various organizations. Parents lined up and down the sidewalks and on
their porches with their kids to watch the parade. Some paraders even
threw candy to the kids standing along the streets.
“My favorite part was the candy!” Exclaimed 6-year-old Sarah Cook.
“It’s a good way to get the kids excited about the 4th,” said Sarah’s
mom, Carrie, regarding the candy.
All of these events throughout the day filled the town with excitement
and a sense of community. With the dedication ceremony, the games,
activities, contests, and the parade, the Independence Day celebration
in New Madison this year was one to remember.
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