Buffalo 4th of July

Everybody loves the 4th of July, especially when it's the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. To celebrate such a milestone, the town of Buffalo went big. So we decided to big with them. 

One main attraction in town was the Saturday morning parade. Buffalo usually doesn't have a 4th of July parade, but went for it this year. It was a softball pitch for us to join in. Fr. DeSmet, the Jesuit missionary priest, celebrated the first Mass in this territory in 1851. From then until now, that is 175 years of proclaiming the Gospel. Hence the theme of our float. 

First step was for James and I to hitch up to Jim's trailer and grab a few square bales. 

We had some banners made that showed up on time, thankfully. So we sized them up. 

Then James and Darin got busy getting it all attached. 

Not bad for a couple of farm boys. 

For game day, we saddled up Chief. Just wouldn't be right not to include him. 

Then parked at the park as parishioners of St. John the Baptist mounted the float. 

Meanwhile, DeSmet and his horse got into character. 

Time to ride. Downtown Buffalo was the route of choice.

It was a shorter parade, but hit all the high points. 

For the Proclaiming the Gospel part, Dcn. Jay stood at the pulpit with the audible Gospel playing in the background as two altar boys flanked him and eager parishioners listened in. 

Members of the DeSmet Counsel of Knights of Columbus followed the last banner that read, Still going strong 2000 years later.

Fr. DeSmet and his bay steed were a crowd pleaser. 

These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete (John 15:11).

Chief did great. No stranger to the limelight. 

Home stretch. Short but sweet. 

God bless America! 

The Catholic Church has had something to say about the progress of America in the last 250 years. Her insistence on Gospel values has helped shape this nation into a land of life, liberty, and justice for all. Our presence in Johnson County will continue to ensure that these natural human values are upheld and that the fullness of freedom found in Jesus Christ is proclaimed to all! Thanks be to God for everybody, both past and present, that made our celebration possible. To you, we tip our hat, and pledge to keep on ranchin' in a free world!