I always say it takes me a good year to feel like I’ve really gotten acclimated to a new town, mainly because, in this job, you get to cover so many of that place’s annual events, as well as how they celebrate national holidays. After a year’s worth of activities, I feel like I finally know what’s coming.

Well, we are all a few days into our week back at work following the Fourth of July weekend and I must say, well done Covington County!

The Fourth of July parade in Andalusia filled our pages with some outstanding images of locals showing their patriotism, and having a good time doing it.

Later in the day, my wife and I got to listen to some great music from Jessica Walker and Josh Page while our daughter, Sawyer, devoured her free watermelon.

Over in Opp, there was a record crowd at Frank Jackson State Park for their Fourth of July celebration, and Mayor John Bartholomew thanked everyone who helped orchestrate such a massive celebration during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Back here in Andy, we finished our night watching a great fireworks demonstration, courtesy of the City of Andalusia. They did a great job providing a wonderful end to a stellar day, and it was great to see such a huge turnout of people lining the roads leading to the Kiwanis center.

Of course, the fireworks continued on a much smaller scale throughout the weekend, but with every unexpected pop also came the sound of a child laughing or the bark of a dog. You know, all of those things that make the birth of our nation worth celebrating to begin with – the sounds of the pursuit of happiness. It is also all of those things that our men and women in uniform continue to fight for around the world.

Thanks to them, as always. And thanks to you guys in Covington County for giving my family a great first Fourth of July here. God bless America!