How many celebrations must have occurred on Loon Lake over the years with campers from the generations before us–years of traditions celebrating our independence–during the war years of the forties and sixties–mixed feelings of patriotism with fear for loved ones serving overseas? This year is no different, with many of our friends and relatives in the armed forces still deployed in troubled zones worldwide.
Having lived outside the United States for 12 years of my life, fueled by generations who served in my family—my grandfather, uncle, father, and aunt who all did their part during WWII, the Korean and Vietnam wars, I have a deep sense of Patriotism. As Americans living in England during the turbulent 60s, our families continued to celebrate our traditions of Independence from the colonies in our hometown complete with fireworks and barbecues and American potluck dishes.
In the 60s at Camp Maqua, ” special events included Worldwide Fellowship, which was celebrated in the first session in conjunction with the 4th of July. On Sunday at the Chapel Hill vespers and services, the series would begin. It was a day set aside for friendship and fellowship on a state and local level”, I wrote in one of my blogs. Not many girls interviewed mentioned what celebrations took place on the property on Loon Lake.
This weekend Loon Lake was as busy as I have ever seen it. Multiple boats, jet-skis, tubers, and floating revelers enjoyed the 90-degree weather. The annual boat parade was held, with about 25 decorated boats parading slowly around the shores for families to enjoy. Although I did not have any family up this weekend, I enjoyed seeing the shoreline dotted with deck chairs, firepits, children fishing from their docks, and inflatables filled with bathers.
Two of our neighbors with grandchildren try to outdo each other every year, competing with their boat themes. The West boat, loaded with ten children and ten adults in hula skirts, straw hats, and pineapple drinks, cruised through the waters with their entire boat dressed in grass skirts, bellowing out tropical music. The Joe Clancy family featured the Olympic logo fashioned from hula hoops, a torch made from a blower, and their grandchildren dressed as different Olympic sports competitors. The Bill West boat, decorated by Robyn West Turpin and friends, was declared the winner and was presented the Loon flag for 2021 from last year’s winners, and the Clancy family vowed to win next year.
The lake lit up at night with the multiple fireworks from each end of the lake. My husband and I joined his brother Mike Baker, nephews Max and Mike Jr., families and friends for a rousing concert on their deck, followed by great fireworks from their neighbors. (I keep hinting we should have a Loon-A-Palooza concert series from the docks on the 4th with bands staged around the lake.) The kids toasted marshmallows, made paper fans to keep themselves cool, and clapped in delight for the fireworks while dogs hid and howled. It was a perfect night of tradition with family and friends.
