July 4th

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Each year the Two Ponds Farms July 4th Celebration became more elaborate. In its second year - in addition to the now expected Cuban pig roast - a softball game between “The Italian Stallions” and “The Cuban Sensations” (featuring team t-shirts) was added, and Pierce’s cousin offered boat rides on the St. Lawrence River in his new party boat. .

Elam and Mary attended the “picnic,” which they could not have done if it had been called a “party.” The line between English and Amish ways, however variable in its location, was ever-present and defined their lives, and being true to their culture, a certain amount of rationalization must have gone on before Elam set foot on the boat.

A “party boat” resembles the kind of raft or float often seen in the deep water swimming area at beaches or camps. It’s essentially a 20’ x 10’ fenced platform floating on aluminum pontoons, partially shaded by a light roof, and driven by a motor. These boats seem to be favored by people who like to drink a lot of beer and feed a few worms to the fish, but on July 4th, this boat-load of Spanish-speaking New Yorkers and one Pennsylvania Deutschman in a black, broad-brimmed hat were enthralled with the sights. To the west, the International Bridge arched above the water. In the shipping lane, huge freighters moved deceptively fast, hauling their cargoes to and from the Great Lakes. On all sides, speedboats and border patrol craft raced frenetically. The scene was sunny and glorious, and Elam later commented, “This is the best day of my life.”

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On Sunday afternoon as the pig cooked, the rubber-hoop-throw tournament commenced: the ultimate decider of who would claim to be the King or Queen of the weekend.

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“The Hammer! The Hammer!” roared the crowd, and the hoop-throw champion screamed with the delight of triumph when the final rubber ring caught the top of the post and circled it for the victory. Cuban Sensations, Italian Stallions, friends and neighbors cheered. “Wait until next year!” promised the defeated.
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There were hayrides for all provided by Harry and Jane, and cow rides on "Kim" for the young and the daring.

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One of yesterday's mouths to feed became today's dinner, accompanied by a delicious Cubano feast.

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The crowd ate, then mingled and danced until all thoughts turned to the weekend finale: a fireworks extravaganza lasting nearly an hour.

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And then the work of the farm resumed.

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