Even though the 4th of July is months away, the members of
Independence Day Incorporated are already meeting and planning this
year’s program. The group is organizing a multitude of events to
make Morgan Hill’s Centennial celebration and parade the very best
ever.
Even though the 4th of July is months away, the members of Independence Day Incorporated are already meeting and planning this year’s program. The group is organizing a multitude of events to make Morgan Hill’s Centennial celebration and parade the very best ever.
One of the most popular events is the Patriotic Sing which recreates the days of old when school children gathered to sing Patriotic songs the night before the Fourth of July. Since 1989, local children have sang the songs of the country on July 3.
At the urging of Bob and Maureen Hunt, the Patriotic Singers “took their show on the road” and entered the Fourth of July parade. The first year found 30 youngsters sitting on bales of hay riding in the back of a pickup truck. As time went on, the chorus and singers grew – quickly outgrowing a small flatbed truck. They were able to use a small flatbed truck but soon it, too, was too small for their number of singers. Organizers relied on a lottery system to choose which kids could participate in the parade, but it resulted in disappointment for those overlooked.
Then along came … “the big, red truck.”
If you have watched the parade, no doubt you will remember this truck with its powerful horn, 45-foot trailer, enthusiastic drivers, white and blue balloons shining in the sun and a hundred youngsters singing their socks off. The truck was generously loaned to the event by Dennis Matsuhiro, owner of Mat Transport. Dennis would refuse any loads on the Fourth of July so the truck could stop in Morgan Hill where it would be washed and polished. Then it would take its place with other parade entries and await the decorating skills of Stephanie Short and her crew of parent volunteers. In an hour it was transformed from a working truck to a magic carpet ride for the Patriotic Singers.
As the parade time approached, children with eyes filled with wonder would climb aboard the “big, red truck” for the ride of a lifetime. Any child from the Patriotic Sing was eligible to participate. There was no charge for the students, only a promise that they would sing and wish all a “Happy Fourth of July”. The drivers, Mike Orth and Paul Fusco would jump into the cab and the truck would be off to make memories for the children, parents and audience.
The children loved “the big, red truck”. The only problem with it in the past seven years, was that the children would stop singing when they saw their reflections in the windows of our downtown businesses. They couldn’t believe their eyes! The Patriotic Singers Float captured the Theme Prize in the parade as well as the best Musical Float. Once the parade ended, “the big, red truck” headed out to Highway l0l to resume its hauling duties throughout this great country the parade celebrates.
Because of the owner’s health and the high prices of fuel, the “big, red truck” is now for sale.
The IDI, a nonprofit organization that produces the Fourth of July activities, and the Patriotic Sing is searching for another big red, white, or blue truck with a 45-foot trailer to be used for their young singers in this year’s Fourth of July parade. They are grateful to have the memories of the “big, red truck.” Parade organizers hope to be able to make more memories for the children.
If you can help, call the Patriotic Sing Director, Karen Ann Crane at 779-0205.
