Charleston hosts 31st Annual RWB Days

Rob Le Cates

Charleston’s Fourth of July parade started in the square with multiple different groups distributing candy and showing representation like the county’s Democrat and Republican groups, Charleston High School’s cheerleaders, multiple church groups, the local martial arts class and even clowns riding dirtbikes.

Rob Le Cates, Editor-in-Chief
July 5, 2022

Hundreds of people gathered in Charleston to celebrate Monday’s 31st Annual Red, White and Blue Days.

The event brought local and distant communities to Charleston to partake in the Fourth festivities.

Many diverse events were offered including a pet parade, chalk art competitions, a $3 all-you-can-eat ice cream bar, cover band concerts and a foam pit.

The Fourth started at 6:30 a.m. with the Habitat for Humanity 4-mile Run/Walk and ended at 10:00 p.m. with fireworks at the Coles County Airport.

From 7-11 a.m. the American Legion hosted a Pancake Sausage Breakfast.

The Coles County Arts Council Chalk-In started at 9 a.m. with more than 10 participants of all ages.

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Rob Le Cates
Charleston resident, Tyler Miller, draws Liberty Hall in Philadelphia, Pa., for the "Most Patriotic" category during the Chalk-In event during Red, White and Blue Days on Monday at Morton Park. Miller said although the chalk isn't as familiar as his pencils, he appreciates the challenge of a new medium. Miller said for his first Red, White and Blue Days, he really enjoyed the activities.

There were several individual drawings and a few groups.

At 9:30, the pet parade, sponsored by the 4-H Dog SPIN Club, started. More than 20 pet and owner duos walked in the parade through Morton Park. Typical pets in attendance like dogs and cats, but it didn’t stop some from bringing their unique pets out.

A few bunnies, a turtle, a snake and a bearded dragon walked alongside the dogs and cats in the parade.

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Rob Le Cates
More than 20 pet owners participated in the Red, White and Blue Days Pet Parade at Morton Park on Monday.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. various attractions were offered to those of all ages including vendors, inflatables, a foam pit, a fire hose sprinkler and an all-you-can-eat ice cream bar.

Children ran back and forth from the foam pit to the fire hose sprinkler to rinse off, then seconds later were back in the foam pit.

Various shouts of being “eaten by the bubbles” could be heard through joyous giggles and laughter.

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Rob Le Cates
Four-year-old Reevan Ganne, plays in the foam pit with other kids on Monday during the 31st Annual Red, White and Blue Days festival. With his parents being Eastern graduates, they decided to come back to Charleston to celebrate the Fourth of July. They came from Richmond, Texas, outside of Houston.

The Fourth of July parade started at 1 p.m. at Charleston Square and ended at Morton Park.

Representation from many groups in the Charleston community walked and performed in the parade, like the Charleston community band, Charleston High School’s cheerleaders, the county’s democratic and republican parties, multiple church groups and even clowns riding dirtbikes.

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Rob Le Cates
Alan Metzger, one of the farmers of the year next to his wife Becky Metzger, was honored in the Fourth of July Parade on Monday. The two were honored as the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers of the Year during Sunday's cover band performances. The couple have been farming since they were married in 1981.

Following the parade, the two honorary guests rang the Liberty Bell at Morton Park. The two guests were Dr. Robert Blagg and Charleston Chamber of Commerce President Doug Abolt.

Following the bell ringing, Charleston’s Post 93, performed the 21-gun salute and taps.

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Rob Le Cates
After the ringing of the Liberty Bell in Morton Park in Charleston, Ill. Charleston's Post 93 performed the 21-gun salute and taps.

Abolt couldn’t attend, so the Charleston High School national anthem singer rang it for him.

Events subsided until dusk at the Coles County Airport for the firework display.

Families lit sparklers and threw POP-ITS for entertainment until the fireworks started at around 9:15 p.m, lasting about 30 minutes.

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Rob Le Cates
Charleston residents of 13 years, Todd Cornwell and Duska Cornwell, sit in folding chairs and watch fireworks at the Coles County Airport on Monday. The couple said they watch the fireworks every year and weren't disappointed by this year's display. Todd said they weren't better or worse than years prior and they thoroughly enjoyed them.

Rob Le Cates is a sophomore journalism major. He can be reached at 217-581-2812 or at deneic@gmail.com