John Adams said in 1776 that Americans should celebrate “this day of deliverance” (referring to adoption of the Declaration of Independence) with devotion to the Lord and with “pomp and parade, shows, games,” and other such events, That’s what we did in Provo this past week – and in a big way commemorating the 203rd anniversary of the Declaration. The tradition of Provo’s Independence Day celebration is well known, This year the committee renamed the fete the “Utah Freedom Festival” for a state-wide connotation. Whether that made a difference or not, it was quite a festival!! Indeed there were a few high points probably not achieved in previous Fourth of July celebrations here. For example, the crowd at the grand parade may have been the biggest gathering in Provo’s history. Through counts made on several blocks, the committe projected the total audience at bet er than 100,000. To be sure, celebrants could find fault with some aspects of the week-long activity. Any time you offer something to the public, and when that many people attend, there is sure to be complaints. There were some who felt the grand parade was too long or didn’t move fast enough; the fireworks were slow getting under way and may have lasted too long; some waiting was encountered at the air show; there should have been more sports activity. But by and large, we felt it was an excellent celebration with something each day to keep the tempo moving. There was patriotism and food for thought in the Sunday evening outdoor program in which slpeaker L. Tom Perry challenged te audience to perpetuate the spirit of the Declaration of Independence. , A great many Central Utahns displayed their American Flags during the celebrations for another important patriotic touch. lt’s no small task to produce a celebration of this magnitude. General Chairman J. Guy Gleed Jr. and the small army of volunteer workers mobilized to stage the various activities deserve a vote of thanks. Financially, the festival apparently came out “in the black” – although the records weren’t all in at this writing. When you consider that the sponsor is a nonprofit corporation that must be self-sustaining, you realize the crucial nature of the operation. Especially so when you realize that the air show was budgeted at $25,000; the stadium show and fireworks at $25,900, and several other activities at substantial but lesser amounts. The money to pay the bills had to be generated by the clebration itself. There were many noteworthy examples of cooperation – BYU, a “good neighbor” in cooperation and use of acilities; the county, which hosted the patriotic program; the city; business, civic, and church imits which entered floats in the parades; the schools; float builders, concession operators, stage hands, and other volunteers. A Californian, quite awed with the smoothness and magnitude of the festival, commented: “No place else in the country could this many people be mobilized as volunteers to carry out this kind of celebration.” I-Ie may have been right. Anyway, congratulations to all who shared the responsibility. John Adams was right it is good to celebrate! So They Soy “Look at this, I flew 3,000 miles wait on a gas line.” – Peter Ware, a Los Angeles resident who flew to New York for his sigter’s wedding, before the “odd/even plan” went into effect.