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MC Celebrates Independence Day


Fireworks shows in Vicksburg and Ridgeland, plus a Traceway Park bike race dubbed Cruisin' Clinton on the Fourth are a few of the area's popular Independence Day activities. The Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo in Biloxi is another one on the to-do list.

In a variety of ways, Mississippi College faculty and staff celebrated America's birthday. Backyard barbecues with watermelon and lots of family time are always good on July 4th.

An MC Connect reporter picked up the phone and began asking around to find out how faculty and staff here are marking the nation's big celebration.

"I will be spending time with my family. I will have my kids over," said MC education professor Gerald Hasselman. An MC graduate and big-time St. Louis Cardinals fan, Hasselman has other things on his mind - a trip to St. Louis in early July for the All-Star Game. The Clinton resident is driving to the game in Missouri. Joining him at the Cardinals ballpark will be his son, son-in-law and brother. "It will be a nice trip."

His office at the School of Education is stuffed with St. Louis Cardinals memorabilia.

On the July 4th weekend, Betty Williamson traveled to Arlington, Texas to see her three grandchildren, a 5-year-old, three-year-old and two-month old. Betty sees them every two to three months and didn't want to pass up another opportunity.

"We will probably do some 4th of July event - go to the pool or have a get-together of some sort," said Williamson, executive assistant to Eric Pratt, the Vice President for Christian Development. "We will swelter in Dallas."

Vicki Williams flew to Charlotte to help her daughter-in-law and son, John Lehner, get their new apartment organized. Her son will attend Reformed Theological Seminary in the North Carolina city starting in August. "We will find some fireworks and explore the city some," said Williams, secretary in the MC Department of Communication.

Linda Edwards, secretary in the MC Department of Music, usually watches conductor John Williams lead the Boston Pops in a televised concert in Boston. She hoped to do the same this year at her air conditioned home in Clinton. The music is terrific and it's a great way to stay out of the summer heat.

Others went out in the Central Mississippi sun on July 4th weekend. The holiday for MC people began Friday July 3 since July 4th falls on a Saturday.

"I will stay home and cut the grass," said business professor Frank Hood. His wife, Carolyn, wasn't far away. She planned to work in the garden at their home in Hinds County.

On Monday July 6th, things get back to normal on the MC campus, with hundreds of campers arriving for another week, and summer classes back in session.