ONE FAB 4TH

WASILLA — For some, the only thing better than hot dogs and cold soda on the Fourth of July is free hot dogs and soda on the Fourth of July.

The good grub at the 10th-annual Community Picnic at Iditapark Sunday headlined a jubilant Independence Day party. After watching more than 70 entries in the Fourth of July Parade, locals and visitors moseyed over to the park to gorge on free hot dogs, play games and socialize.

Even Mother Nature seemed to smile on Sunday’s Wasilla Independence Day bash. Following a rainy and wet night, the weather cleared up just in time for the parade and picnic.

“This is just excellent,” said Don Colwell of Wasilla. “You can’t beat a Fourth of July hot dog — and it’s free. That’s the best part.”

For Julie, Colwell’s wife of 47 years, that only about seven political candidates were among the parade entries “was the best part” of her holiday.

Although the mood was light, the meaning of the day wasn’t lost on the Colwells.

“It means independence, it means family,” Don said. “It’s a lot more than a day off from work or a barbecue.”

And celebrating America’s independence in Wasilla “tops it all off,” he said. “You can’t beat Wasilla. After spending 30 years in Anchorage, it’s a whole different story here. We love it.”

Many believe the Fourth of July isn’t complete without barbecue. That’s where the Wasilla Sunrise Rotary Club becomes the hit of the party. For 10 years, Rotarians have been manning the grill and serving up thousands of free hot dogs. This year, the estimated 2,000 dogs served were particularly good.

“The secret is this is a phenomenal grill from the city of Wasilla and the hot dogs are a class above what we’ve had in the past,” said Jerry Moses, one of the club’s grillmasters. “They’re very nice.”

Rotary is about community service, said club member Mark Lee, adding there’s always pressure to perform on the Fourth.

“Giving back to our community, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s also my grandson’s birthday. I do this first, then I go and cook for my grandson.”

What will he serve?

“More hot dogs and hamburgers,” he said.

Along with the gratis grub, 13-year-old Brady Schlaig enjoyed blowing dozens of bubbles across the park.

“It’s an awesome party,” he said, adding that he particularly enjoyed the firefighters in the parade because they were very loud.

For him, the Fourth of July “means freedom, that we’re free to do almost anything we want.”

Contact Greg Johnson at greg.johnson@frontiersman.com or 352-2269.