Caraway 70th Fourth of July celebrated

The Caraway Fourth of July celebration hit its 70th year mark Monday as a large crowd gathered on the park grounds enjoying music, food, games, dunking booth and a day to visit with friends and family. The day was kicked off early with a 5K run followed by a parade and the all day celebration.

Caraway Mayor Barry Riley and wife, Sherry, led the 2016 Fourth of July parade.

Tractors, antique cars and trucks, floats, motorcycles, bicycles, police vehicles, Caraway's ambulance, fire engines, and more were adorned in red, white and blue for the annual parade led by Caraway Mayor Barry Riley and his wife, Sherry. Over 50 participants made up the 2016 Fourth of July Parade.

Area businesses and individuals provided prizes given away throughout the day.

Many former Caraway residents enjoy returning home each year for the Fourth of July celebration.

Following the parade, Rebecca Stull sang the National Anthem. Brother Rick Stevens recognized veterans and led in prayer. Veteran Paul Taylor raised the American Flag.

Winners of the 5K run were:

50 and under, women: Kelly Adams, first place; Erin Clay, second place.

50 and under, men: Hunter Young, first place; Joseph Johnson, second place.

50 and over: Keith Churchill, first place; Elise Redding, second place.

Local talent had the opportunity to sing as Peggy Drummond hosted a morning of karaoke.

The Tri County Band performed in the afternoon.

Ballgames were scheduled to be held at the ballpark during the evening but were rained out by scattered showers. The rain quit in time for the traditional Caraway fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Bingo games, horseshoe tournaments, vendors, entertainment, parade, food, prizes and fireworks made the celebration a success.

Mayor Riley welcomed everyone and recognized candidates. Among the candidates attending were Craighead County Sheriff Marty Boyd, Craighead County Judge Ed Hill, Hannah Holloway, Kade Holliday, Candace Edwards, Jeff Presley, Wes Eddington, Rep. Dave Wallace, Senator David Burnett, Lesia Couch, Marsha Phillips.

Roger Williams, member of the Caraway volunteer organization, expressed appreciation to area businesses and individuals for prizes donated, the vendors for spending their day in Caraway, and especially the people for attending.