KILGOROUND
LINDA BALLARD

"We'll sure let you come," said Stephanie Williams, secretary at the Overton Chamber of Commerce. For the third year in a row, Overton is pulling out all stops to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang.

The fireworks are set off to highlight the beauty of Overton City Park and the skyline with an array of lights that in years past could be seen for miles around. This year, the city has purchased twice as many fireworks to offer the public a fantastic ending to the all day events, said Stephanie.

A parade will start off the day beginning at 10 a.m. in honor of the veterans, but promises to be filled with the glee of children as bicycles, four wheelers and anything that moves participates in celebrating the Stars & Stripes.

A dog show follows the parade and at 11 a.m. Bingo starts in the community building at the

park. The swimming pool will be open all day and admission will be free.

Winners of the Mr. and Mrs. Photogenic contest will be announced (pictures can still be sent or dropped off at the Overton Press) while entry forms for the Miss and Mister Firecracker are available at the Overton Chamber of Commerce at 121 East Henderson Street. A $10 entry fee must be included to participate in the Miss and Mister Firecracker contest.

Can't do without good hotdogs or barbecue on the Fourth of July and that will be taken care of by the food and craft vendors set up in the park. For interested parties, room is available for more vendors.

Also, Overton's Stars & Stripes will feature a chili cook-off for the first time. Cook-off entry fee is $25 per participant and the Chamber will supply sample cups and spoons. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place and a People's Choice. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, July 2. "The applications for the chili cookoff are the only thing that is coming in slow," said Stephanie. "Perhaps people do not think of chili in hot weather, but we need chili to make those hotdogs good," she said.

Judging of the cook-off will take place at 4 p.m. followed by gospel singing in the park. Other local talent will provide entertainment as the crowd gathers for the fireworks. The fireworks will begin at dark.

For more information regarding Overton's Stars and Stripes parade of events, contact Stephanie at the chamber office 903-834- 3542 or Melissa Beets and Phyllis Starnes, activity directors at 903-834-3112.

+++ He's one of ours - Michael Cerliano, son of Maxey and Kathy Cerliano is off to the University of Notre Dame. It's official, as the family has recently returned from a special trip to find an apartment just right to accommodate Michael. "He does now have an apartment about a block from the university," reports Maxey. "We are extremely fortunate that this has happened," he added.

Michael attended school in the Kilgore Independent School District; Kilgore College and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Texas in Tyler. He was offered entry into the doctoral program - he's studying comparative literature - at Notre Dame.

If you plan on visiting Michael, get your travel arrangements from Maxey. "You just can't get there from here," he said. Evidently, Michael did.

+++ Officer Ron Duncan is recovering from a severe dog bite. Fortunately, the Chihuahua was apprehended after the third bite to Ron's leg. Ironically, the dog belonged to Ron's mother. Although he is still hobbling around, (Ron, not the dog), was back at the office on Tuesday morning. All of his friends associated with the police department wish him well and a speedy recovery.

+++

Blowing out the birthday candles to are Randy Jordan, Barbara Nicks, Wade Hampton, Max Reinbach Jr., Dr. Charles Whiteside, Rhonda Kay Johnston, Mike Early, Shad Collum, Daron Wade, Kenneth Wayne Taylor, Harold Brown, Ethel Hayes Palmer, Bessie Boden, Kelton Roach.

Celebrating another year together today are Mr. and Mrs. Herman Reagh, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bain, Brenda and Richard Thornhill, Gary and Kim Krantz.