America the Beautiful was the theme of Canadians’ 131st Annual Independence Day Parade. Forty-seven entries left the stadium parking lot to wind their way down the milelong parade route that ends on Main Street just past the courthouse. People lined the street as candy and the occasional water balloon were launched into the crowd.

This year’s Sweepstakes Award was presented to the Texas Panhandle Honor Flight entry from Amarillo. This organization honors our military heroes by taking them to Washington D.C., to see their memorials for closure and healing. Large photos of veterans at our national monuments lined the sides of the float.

Hemphill County Hospital was chosen Best Commercial for their ‘Sea to Shining Sea’ entry, featuring scenes from Hollywood to across the Rocky Mountains, through Texas to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and ending at the Statue of Liberty—a coast-to-coast look at what makes America beautiful.

Loclynn Russell and Jasmine took the award for Best Decorated Horse and Rider. The 16-year-old chestnut’s coat was covered with festive polka dots, boasted a glittering mane. Loclynn was riding with eight others representing the Wolf Creek Rodeo, the Best Riding Club winner. Charly Hext and Liza Cooper took the Best Wagon or Carriage Award with their horse-drawn, two-seat buggy entitled ‘Country Fun.’

Best Kid’s Entry went to Ryatt Carr and the Carr Recovery Crew. It was reported that Ryatt was seen proudly carrying his trophy that night at the rodeo. Jacy Long, Miley McLanahan, and Sophia Mills claimed the Best Individual Entry for their over-thetop red, white, and blue decorated razor they named ‘Merica Beauties.’

You could not help but smile when the Frito Banditos float passed by with music playing and people dancing—and if you were lucky, a bag of Fritos sailed your way. Berryman and Castillo, listing their hometown as Tortilla Flats, won the Comedy Award.

Terry Crosgrove, driving his greatgranddad’s 1949 Minneapolis-Moline tractor, won for the Best Antique Tractor. Jerry Smith took top honors in Classic Automobiles with his 1964 Ford Galaxy 500. This applered beauty, once belonging to his brother, has been in the family since it was new.

PHOTOS BY LAURIE EZZELL BROWN, CATHY RICKETTS,

CHERI SMITH & CORBIN DOUTHITT | THE RECORD