Celebrating the Fourth of July
Even with the pandemic going on, there were several events in the Yuba-sutter-colusa area for Fourth of July revelers.
Starting with the annual rubber duckie race, which has been going on for years as a local fundraiser.
Colusa resident Sandy Camp said her husband, Bill, is usually working on the holiday, but this year was not due to the coronavirus pandemic. So the two bought four ducks and went out to the river to watch them swim down to the River Road Bridge.
Camp said their ducks didn’t win but could have placed in the top three. There are hundreds of ducks in the water all clumped together, so sometimes it takes a while to sort out the top finishers.
Overall, it was a fun time for a year when lots of normal events have been canceled due to COVID-19.
“I think that’s important for Colusa to have things that are traditional,” Camp said.
Rubber duckie races happen all over the country, according to Yuba City resident Jessica Swope.
Swope, 21, used to travel to Ticonderoga, New York, where a duck race would take place and even travel 30 feet down a waterfall.
“Other than that it was exactly the same (as Colusa’s),” Swope said. “It’s a cool thing for kids to do.”
It’s also a safe event during an ongoing public health crisis.
“It’s outdoors, easy to keep a distance and enjoy a community event,” Swope said.
Afterward, Swope said she would take part in the other traditional aspects of the Fourth of July.
“Fireworks and barbecue help keep your mind off everything,” Swope said.
Near Live Oak, Dave Bryan, senior pastor at The Church of Glad Tidings, estimated that 400 people enjoyed their community picnic that featured food, family and fun.
Bryan said it was a good way to celebrate America’s freedoms.
“That’s what people need to restore their soul,” Bryan said.
Bryan said everyone was being safe out in the fresh air and sunlight.