Arizona weekly citizen. [volume] (Tucson, Ariz) 1880-1901, 1896-07-11
OUR FOURTH.
A Vast Crowd Witnesses a
Celebration Never Equal
led in Tucson.
A MODEL DAY.
Great Credit is Due Tucson's
Young men For the Energy
They Displayed.

Tns -Four h OF July, at Tucson, was o
glorious day. The evening of the third
saw the greater portion of the dscora-
tions in place and the streets presented
really handsome appearance. Ban
ners, floats, bunting and evergreens
were tsstefully arranged along the main
thoroughiares of the city Ind business
houses and residences we're gorgeous
with evidences Of patriotism.
Juet after the decorations were in
place the sky was overcast with clouds
and q sprinkle OF rain fell.
Early Saturday morning there was
quite little fall Of rain, which. though
it caused the colors in tie bright ban
ners to take on rather conglomerate
hue, was none the less welcome. About
ten o'clock the sun came out, dried the
limp hanging decorations and the mud
dy streets, and shone brightly until
nearly four 10 the afternoon, when it
was again obscured by clouds and re-
NAMED hidden throughout the remain
or of the day. The pleasant effects of
the rain were the cool atmosphere and
the absence Of dust.
Long before the appointed time
vast crowd assembled upon the plaza
and awaited the commencement of the
athletic sports. Vehicles, floats, bicy Giles,
and participants in the parade contlnu-
ed arriving at intervals and we're IN
numerous instances loudly applsuded.
Pne usual accomplishments of holi-
days we're In evidence. The sides show
was there and flaming poster exhibited
an oil painting of the famous sheen
goat" and announced that for ten cents
ali might view the most curious animal
in captivity, believed to be lineal des-
cendsnt of the horned beast seen by st.
John on the Isle of Patmos.
There were refreshmeni stands where
the fsstidious app1tites of dainty ce!e-
orators might be appeased.
Promptly Gu time the sports were ip-
augurated with pony race, in which
there were seven starters. Doubtless the
best satisfied of any one, throughout the
day, was the little Indian who Won the
race. He rode beautiful little pony
which gave evidence of enjoyment .as be
easily ran away from his competitors on
the home stretch.
The sack race. catching the creased
pig, and the attempts to climb the
greasy pole furnished a world Of fun for
the spectators as we'll as participants.
The other numbers on the program at
the plaza we're Interestingly watched by
the vast crowd.
The two companies or militia com
msnded by Major Black and led by the
First Regiment band, made most cred
liable march through the principle
streets OF the city, and were dismissed
in front of the court house on PenninR
ton street. The band returned to the
plaza and headed the procession which
moved along the previously announced
line of march. Music by both bands
inspired every one to frequent bursts of
applause as the gayly decorated floats
and vehicles passed them. Uncle Sam
were thirteen pretty girls representing
the thirteen original states. The fire.
laddiee were there ind their gong glee-
fully sounded a death knell to con-
hRgrstions.
The Queen, Miss Lulu Hill, sat upon
her throne attended by four beautiful
maids and two cute pages, gorgeously |
arraged in royal robes OF white and pur-
pie satin, and with q dignity commensu- |
rate with her elevated station gracefully |
the frequent bursts Of |
applause which greeted her along the |
entire route.
In front of the city hall the parade |
passed in review before the Queen. A |
committee was in attendance at the re-
vlsw and awarded the first prize for the
best decorated vehicle to MIR. Harry |
Levin, who certeinly deserved it, as his
span of pretty sorrels and HE light color
ed vehicle was marked from it's FIRST ap-
pesrance for ITS particularly tasteful
decorations Master Harold Stienfeldt's
little goat and cart won second prize,
and more cunning little turnout is sell
dom sseD.
The prize for the best decorated bicy-
Gle went to young Dancil. who had
reritable house on wheels which he
perfectly.
Ip the park there waa perfect crush.
The eager crowd wished to witness the
exercises conducted by the young folks.
md used every effort to get as near the
tand as possible. The Philharmonic
BAND discouised PATRIOTS airs in most
nspiriLg way ahd the exercises through
~ 8 were moss creditable. Mr.. Lee La
Jhence ives especially complimeDted up
IN his GRAFTON, which was, without
doubt, exceedingly we'll rendered.
The display Of fireworks in the even
ng was grand, and managed in the same
o terestipg manner which characterized
he entire celebration.
Tucson has ample reason to bs proud
Il the young men who took this matter
q hand, IS they have conclusively PROF.
n themselves equal to any emergency
shich may arise. The same energy
which made a success of the grandest
Fourth of July celebration Tucson ever
will place it's promoters in the
ront rank of business men.