SHELBY — Nothing says inherent freedom in America more than the ability of people to dance to the “Cupid Shuffle” pouring out from speakers under a blazing Sunday afternoon sun in the park.
That was one of the truly American scenes at the Black Fork Commons as Shelby residents poured in to enjoy a Community Picnic on the weekend this country celebrated its 250th birthday.
Mayor Steve Schag was among those in attendance at the party, which came one day after the traditional 4th of July celebrations around the county.
“The downtown business team put this together and I think with all the other activities that were going on (Saturday), they thought this would be an opportunity, on an off day, so to speak, to have a picnic in town,” the mayor said.
“I think it’s so cool in Richland County. Everybody has a little something. Everybody’s got their own flavor to it, so this is our version of the America 250 picnic,” Schag said.
There were seemingly as many inflatables for kids to play on as there were signers of the Declaration of Independence. There was free food and drinks during the party from 2 to 8 p.m.. The splash pad was a popular location as temperatures reached into the mid 80s for what felt like the umpteenth day in a row.
There was a cornhole tournament. Dance contests. And American flags everywhere.
Just as importantly, there was good weather — which seemed unlikely when looking at the forecast coming into Sunday.
“I saw the forecast yesterday and it didn’t look like this, so we’re very blessed,” Schag said.
The mayor said the picnic’s emphasis was on faith and family.
“There’s going to be reading of the Declaration of Independence, different other historical narratives that have been brought out, along with music from GloryWay (an Ohio-based southern gospel group),” Schag said.
Schag said didn’t know what to expect in terms of attendance at the event, which comes just days before the community’s biggest annual event, Shelby Bicycle Days. As more and more people searched for places to park near the commons, it was clear it was a success.
“I’m very, very pleased. You never know. You put it out there and there’s all different ways of trying to advertise things, but I think it’s spread by word of mouth on social media.
“As we were coming in, there were still people parking and it looks almost a little bit like the Bicycle Days parking lot today,” he said with a laugh.
He said the city put money toward the event, as well.
“We are an official America 250 community, so that gave us an opportunity to send a package out with placemats, activity books, frisbees, kites … so many cool things. And then we’re of course providing vouchers for adults at the food trucks, $10 apiece for adults,” he said.
(Below are photos from the Community Picnic marking the 250th birthday of the United States on Sunday afternoon at Black Fork Commons in Shelby.)
