Ocalans celebrate nation's birthday

OCALA — There was no baseball, but there was apple pie and democracy Thursday evening at the first Downtown Liberty Celebration on the Downtown Square.

The classic Americana festival featured face painting, dancing, music and booths from several organizations, including free watermelon and apple pie provided by the city of Ocala, a training demonstration by "poolees," who have enlisted in the Marines but have not yet gone to boot camp, and music from Norman Lee and the Boondock Saints.

"Give it up for the United States of America," Lee urged the crowd after he kicked off the evening with the national anthem.

Kids, and a few adults, danced to songs like "Stand By Me" and "Pink Cadillac" in the hot, breezy weather.

Clarice Mondesir, an Ocala resident of four years, brought her 6-year-old daughter, Shara, to the celebration. They stopped at each booth, listened to the music and got a butterfly painted on Shara's face.

"We're a part of the community and we wanted to come. I feel proud to be here," Clarice said.

Mondesir said she wanted her child to appreciate and understand the holiday and feel a part of the community. She also feels the Fourth of July is even more important in an election year.

The Lions Club sold hot dogs, soda and hamburgers, but everything else was free.

Jennifer Blair, Ocala's special events manager, said organizers wanted to make it an affordable option for families, and did not want it to compete with other Independence Day events.

It will probably become an annual festival.

"We tried to bring all the elements of Fourth of July into it," said Blair, who estimated that 3,500 people attended.

Many people stopped to acknowledge the troops who could not be there by signing a card for Operation Shoebox, an organization that sends personal items and thank you letters to troops overseas.

Addie McKinley, an Operation Shoebox volunteer, said some people gave donations and others filled out the thank-you notes and blank cards.

Sponsors donated most of the money for the celebration. Blue Bell Creameries provided ice cream and Signature Brands donated supplies for patriotic cookie decorating.

Volunteers spoke with the people walking by about senatorial candidates, and the supervisor of elections office had a voting registration table.

Cynthia Davis, the chief deputy for the supervisor of elections, handed out forms that people could fill out on the spot or take home for a friend. She also passed out crayons and a workbook for kids about the election process.

"Fourth of July is about liberty and patriotism, so the more people we can get involved … that just adds to the liberty," she said.

Janice Dobbs, who helped serve pie, said everyone in the square seemed to be having a good time.

"All these nice people are out here volunteering for the city," she said. "It's a real American celebration."

Laura Jervis may be reached at laura.jervis@starbanner.com or 867-4107.