Barrington Independence Day Essay Contest
This year the Barrington area Independence Day Parade once again features an essay contest for children ages 8 to 18.
And the winners are…
Bradley Yu
from Barbara Rose School
Age Category: 8 to 11
Sponsoring Teacher: Ms. Eliza Aliotta
Winner of $50 US Savings Bond
In 1776, July 4th became Independence Day. Many of America’s important leaders such as John Adams signed the Declaration of Independence. This document represented that Americans were ready to fight for freedom. Today, families all over the country celebrate the Fourth of July in many different ways. My family has created many traditions that have become my favorite memories.
This is the way that I remember how my family has celebrated the Fourth of July: I smell the hot dogs grilling and see the smoke from the grill rising in the air. July fourth tastes like cold, sweet popsicles. I hear the loud laughter from the parents and the crackling noise of a movie playing in the living room. I can hear kids shouting and the thudding sound of a basketball dribbling by the garage,. I also hear the “bong bong” of the children jumping up and down on the trampoline and the PHEW sound of video game lasers shooting. I see people playing basketball, people playing volleyball, people eating yummy food, parents meeting, and see my dad grilling even more hot dogs. I feel the hot summer air.
_These are the new fourth of July traditions that I would like to start: I want to start having water gun fights. HUT! sssssssssssss the sound of water comes from your water gun! Challenging people against tennis would also be exciting. Woosh! The ball goes over your head. BAM! You smash the ball back and you win. Hooray! The last tradition I would like to begin is making desserts with my sister. Friends and family walk in the kitchen and sniff the delicious smell of brownies. They are very hungry from all the excitement. The children gobble up the sweet brownies. YUM! _
What a day! I can’t wait for the July fourth this year. Traditions bring families together. They are important to keep because the best tradition is our own tradition.
Mike Goralski
from Barrington Middle School Prairie Campus
Age Category: 12 to 14
Sponsoring Teacher: Mrs. Kim Barlow
Winner of $75 US Savings Bond
When I think of Independence Day I think of spending time in Lake Geneva with my grandparents. We go to the beach, play golf, barbeque and celebrate my brother’s birthday with a red, white and blue birthday cake.
My dad takes us to buy fireworks for a pre-show display which has become a tradition with the neighbors to come down and watch.
_My grandparents love watching the fireworks with us form the beach or our condo. My favorite is watching form the beach at Fontana because the whole sky lights up and it feels like they are going to fall on top of you. Independence Day will always be one of my favorite memories growing up. _
This Fourth of July will not be the same as previous ones. My grandpa passed away in November. The Fourth of July in Wisconsin will still be fun, but it will be hard without my grandpa being there. We will all die someday but one thing that will never die, are the traditions and memories that a family create together.. I am confident that the tradition of spending the Fourth of July up in Wisconsin will continue even after my brothers and I have grown up.
I also believe that even though my grandfather will not be with us physically, this Fourth of July he will be there in spirit. As we play golf, go to the beach, eat cake and watch the fireworks he will be there. He will be smiling down at us as he watches the traditions he started continue even after he is no longer here. I love you Grandpa and I know that you will always be with me on the Fourth of July. Your grandson, Mike.
The Independence Day Parade Essay Contest Rules & Guidelines
Write about your Fourth of July Traditions & Memories
In conjunction with this year’s parade theme, “Traditions & Memories”, children are invited to write personal, reflective essays about their special Fourth of July traditions and/or memories.
Entries may be submitted:
1. via our parade web site at www.BarringtonParade.com
2. via fax 847-770-4916
3. via postal mail to:
Barrington Independence Day Essay Contest
P.O. Box 3335 Barrington, Illinois 60011
Entries must include a completed entry form with the essay.
Entry Deadline
June 15, 2011
Eligibility
The essay contest is open to all Barrington area children ages 8 to 18. Essays must be 300 words or less.
Winners
3 winners will be selected. One from entries ages 8 to 11. One from entries ages 12 to 14. One from entries ages 15 to 18.
Once again this year, winners and their families will be invited and encouraged to participate in the Barrington Independence Day Parade as Food Drive Donation Float Leaders on July 4, 2011.
