Family Fourth at Rock Ledge Ranch

       The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site will once again give people a place to celebrate the most patriotic day of the year Sunday, July 4. The annual Family Fourth will feature speakers, music and other old-fashioned activities between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
       Tickets are $6, with discounts for ages 55 and over and for 18 and younger. The ranch is off Gateway Road at 30th Street.
       Events will be much the same as in past years, with one notable exception: “Abraham Lincoln” will not be on hand to recite the Gettysburg Address because his portrayer has retired, according to Rock Ledge lead interpreter Elizabeth Barber (see story, Page 1).
       However, there may be one or more new speakers, she said; such plans will be made known on the day of the event.
       Here is the schedule, as available at press time:
       10 a.m. to 3 p.m., watermelon seed-spitting contests next to the blacksmith's shop.
       10:15-4:15, candy scrambles near the barn.
       10:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m., carnival games in the barn.
       11 a.m., “America the Beautiful,” read by Katharine Lee Bates (Robin Sutherland), in front of the Rock Ledge House.
       Noon-12:30 and 1-1:30 p.m., patriotic music by the Fountain Creek Brass Band outside the Orchard House.
       12:30 p.m., the Declaration of Independence, read by General William Palmer (Dave Harmon) in front of the Orchard House.
       Ongoing - live old-time music by the Beedles; Civil War encampment; Revolutionary War encampment; wagon rides, tractor rides, rope-making, historic hourse tours.

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