Celebrating independence at the races

Rattlesnake Raceway was packed with red, white and blue last week for its Fourth of July celebration.

The mid-week race day had a full schedule of events, most of which featured at least one American flag on a car — one series even had a car painted with the nation’s flag. Spectators bought “patriotic kettle corn,” dyed red, white and blue, as well as light-up toys and poppers.

The evening’s opening ceremonies were a little different as well. Two racers pulled up to the edge of the track with the American and POW/MIA flags before local high-school students Hanna and Jenna Stewart sang the national anthem.

Jerry Roseland, one of Rattlesnake Raceway’s board members, said it was one of their craziest nights this year. He said Independence Day is always busy, next only to the season opener, but added they were especially busy that night.

After the races, a fireworks show was planned. However, the dry conditions led to delays as fires started on the hillside. The show continued to the finale, but Roseland said some people left early.

“People thought the fireworks were over when we just had to delay them,” he said.