4th of July

What is a fourth of July parade without the Good ol' Uette's. Riding their traditional unicycles. They were good. 

Miss Eliza sporting her star glasses. 

 I took a picture of main street because is was so exciting to see this many people out for the Parade. 

George Burnett, owner of I Love Drilling!, was working on a calendar of historic oil industry photos. The women who worked at the Unitah County Regional History Library had talked to him about a parade that used to be held to honor the oil industry. Last fall, they delivered a stack of historic photos, and for some reason, one really stuck out for him.

The photo was of a float entered in the Oil Progress Parade held Oct. 17, 1953, in Vernal. Three women in swimsuits were on the float with a banner proclaiming “Uinta Basin Desk & Derrick.” Turns out another woman was also on the float, but she was hidden in this picture.

The photo captured Burnett’s imagination, and he decided he wanted to undertake the project of remaking the float for this year’s Fourth of July parade in Vernal. Burnett’s company and occupation is all about promoting the oil industry, primarily in the Uintah Basin.

While doing the research he discovered the names of the women, and found that three of them were still alive. In the original photograph, shown left to right are Veon McLean, Lorraine Hampton and Cleone Merkley. Carma Richens, who is not shown in the photo but can be seen in other shots, was sitting at a desk on the float. McLean has since passed away.

 Lorraine Hampton and Cleone Merkley. Carma Richens, 

 Theses are their granddaughters. Names unknown. If anyone knows them let me know. It was a fun float.

 Picnic after the big 2 hour parade. Here is my fruit flag and Quinoa salad. We had chicken and beef kobabs with fresh veggies grilled. We also had Watermelon and root-beer floats. 

 My parents came, Susan and Cliff Johnson, their daughter Erin and her 4 children. Whitney and Jon'c clan and a new friends Ben and Kaylie France.

 Jon and Whitney!

 Miss Oakley!

 Now if you want some good ol' summer fun here it is. A piece of plastic (from Wal-Mart) and Dawn dish soap, and a sprinkler. They kids had a ball for hours. Total cost $10 and reusable. 

I used this with my scouts and now with this little group.