On the Fourth of July, people milled happily around the grounds of the Elbert County Museum in Kiowa. Friends and neighbors greeted each other as they came together for the 25th Annual Pioneer 4th Celebration, a drop-in event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event featured a museum open house and set the stage not only to celebrate the United States but Elbert County as well.
“Our 25th Annual Pioneer Fourth Celebration is a family-friendly day filled with old-fashioned fun and games,” said Joe Martell, Elbert County Historical Society president. In addition to the open house and a silent auction, the event featured live music, games, a pie baking contest, cake walk and more. A picnic lunch including grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and fresh watermelon was available throughout the day.
Entries for the homemade pie baking contest were welcomed and encouraged, Martell said. In the adult category, Cherie Wyatt won the $50 first place prize and Jaece Pence won $25 for first place in the kids category. The silent auction followed immediately at 1 p.m., with all proceeds going to the museum.
“The Pioneer Fourth is such a great event because it’s the quintessential small town Fourth of July celebration,” Martell said, “with kids running around, hamburgers and hot dogs grilling, and folks from all walks of life coming together — all within the backdrop of the county museum.”
Elizabeth resident Stephanie Claassen says that her family has made the Pioneer Fourth Celebration a tradition. “We enjoy the close-knit community feel of the event and how friendly and personable everyone is from the stewards of the museum to the folks manning the kids’ games and face painting,” she said. “And the cake walk is a family favorite!”
For more information about the Elbert County Museum, as well as other events, visit elbertcountymuseum.org. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday during the summer months through Aug. 31, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.