Rain Forces Early End to 4th of July Celebrations in Hickory, 1922

Rain Brought Halt to Big Celebration. . . Largest Crowd Ever Seen Here Was Turned Back in Afternoon by Showers That Soaked Everything—Parade, Tournament, Water Contests and Other Events

With the exception of the band concerts early in the forenoon, the grand parade near noon and the firemen’s tournament in the afternoon, the Fourth of July celebration here yesterday was null and void. As a water carnival it would have been a striking success, but as a grand observance of Independence day there was more sunshine to be desired. A check up of the various stores disclosed that umbrellas were in demand, and a large part of the 12,000 or more persons here for the event made futile efforts to be accommodated.

The Mormanton Concert bank, a good organization, rendered lively airs during the forenoon and the whole of Union square, roped off to protect the crowds from automobiles, was packed and jammed. One man in the crowd said he saw at least 10,000 people at one time during the parade, and many other hundreds were stationed at other vantage points.

It weas a good natured crowd too. Farmers here by the thousands were not at all upset by the rain. Their crops were getting a soaking that had long been needed, and the rain was worth more to the community than the celebration. Still, everybody was sorry that the rain did not hold off a few hours.

The baseball game between Hickory and Marion was called off on account of rain and wet grounds and Sterling Menzies and Worland Eaton, who had exercised discretion, will college $100 rain insurance. Owners of the score of booths in Union Square started out to make a killing, but the rain at noon put them on the bllnk and many of them went into a financial hole. It was hard on them. The showers were cold too, and the heat of the last few days gave way to coolness that was penetrative.

Everybody had a good time and those who came and saw the preparations that had been made for the occasion realized that the American Legion and Hickory business men had done everything possible to make the day a success. They could not issue rain checks. That part of the celebration which was celebrated was all right in every way.

From the front page of The Hickory Daily Record, Wednesday, July 5, 1922