Nothing brings back the memories of one’s childhood like going back to a place one calls home, at least once a year if possible. Celebrating the annual events that take place here, especially Range Call, draws crowds of tourists and residents from both town and county. A feeling or sense of place seeps into everyone’s bones after a while while living here, so it no longer matters if it is their original hometown. Even if life brings both joys and sorrows during that time, it seems to bring people back time and again.
These mixed feelings, both positive and negative, act as powerful magnets. There are usually more than one or two places that might bring former residents back to live or visit. The intensity of these feelings become entangled with both the good and bad memories. Mobility is more the norm these days, so this happens quite often.
It is common to continue to feel the need to get back to a place that held a special place in one’s heart. The Range Call record crowds of old seem to continue, especially if the national holiday is held on the weekend. Activities throughout the long weekend evoke everyone’s memories of their own July Fourth celebrations.The same sounds, smells and tastes occur all over the country.
The bursts of bright colors high up in the sky, the smoky smell of hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue, as well as the music blasting from the from the courthouse lawn or the town fairgrounds. It is all part and parcel of everyone’s tradition. Range Call has a storied past from Meeker’s earliest days, so it has a unique, western flair. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
By DOLLY VISCARDI
Special to the Herald Times
