A happy, healthy Fourth of July

Crowds flocked to Vinsonhaler Park for an old-fashioned Fourth of July that included food, games and vintage cars.

An estimated 1,000 to 2,000 people came to watch or participate in Friday’s festivities for the 33rd annual event sponsored by the Orland Historical and Cultural Society.

Shelly Rossi who sang the National Anthem and later joined her daughter, Allison, in singing some vintage hits, provided musical entertainment.

In addition, veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan gathered on the green for recognition of their military service and a round of applause after their branch of service anthems were played.

Glenn County Judge Angus Saint-Evens served as the Master of Ceremonies by announcing each event.

A highlight of the day included the announcement of the “Person of the Year” award by the historical society.

President Gene Russell actually named four people as winners for their creation of the “Avenue of Lights” at the Glenn County Fairgrounds in December.

They were Marlene Corriea, Olga Peterson, Carolyn Denton and Doyle Shippelhoute.

Following the day in the park, county residents gathered at Jensen Park in Willows for the traditional fireworks show. Hundreds packed the playgrounds and baseball diamonds to watch about 350 shells explode in the hot July sky.

Donald Heffner, the licensed pyrotechnic officer for the Willows show, said his crew fired about 350 shells of various sizes.

Most of the shells used Friday were from China and Thailand. “That’s where they make the good ones,” Heffner said.

Heffner, 78, has worked the Fourth of July in Willows for the last six or seven years, he said. “This is probably my last year though,” he explained. “So, we’re (wanted) to give a real good show.”

Contact reporter Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.