Artesia News

Heat didn't stop them from having fun

July 4th Independence Day Celebration

Amidst sweltering heat thousands of people enjoyed Independence Day at Artesia Park; a day of games, tournaments, a chili cook-off, and of course, a fireworks show at the end.

Country band Christian Simmons and rock n’ rollers BPMAXX played live to dancing guests and wall flowers as others judged chili or barbecued their own meals..

Branson Towing’s chili soared high above CARE Ambulance, the Sheriff’s Dept., and other contestants as they picked up the first place prize. Judging chili requires that nothing else but the chili itself be judged, some of the criteria for judging chili is the aroma, the spiciness, and of course, the taste.

The judges for the Chili Cook-off were Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Mayor John P. Lyon, Council Member Tony Mendoza, Lakewood Sheriff’s Captain Dave Fender, Jessica Martinez, Marvin DeCarlo, Valorie Sucatre, Christine Verduzco, Dean Sorgdrager, and Stacy Neztle.

Keith Patrick of Branson’s Towing said he’s having a great time “… we enjoyed hanging out with each other.”

He gave some insight on why Branson’s chili might’ve won. “I used chilies that I like.” The other cooks for Branson’s Towing were Josh Root, Jeremy Bowman, and Jason Ung.

The Fire Dept. won the People’s Choice Award and the Artesia-Cerritos Rod & Gun Club won best booth.

Park guests were allowed to vote for their own favorite chili under the People’s Choice Award. Artesian Tim Bowman commented on the chili offered for the People’s Choice Award. “It was all very good. All of them offered something a little different. Branson’s was unique because of the different veggies. The sheriffs and the ambulance ran out fast. They need to make more next year.”

The over the line team called ‘Fish Taco’ won first place in the tournament. Tony Velasquez, a team member, said they won it for the “little tacquito dog that got eaten by the big dog earlier today.”

Last year, the use of fireworks on park grounds became a major issue. This year, only a few isolated incidents occurred, and only one arrest took place. The only injury reported was to a small dog and its owner by a larger dog. The dog was taken to a veterinarian while the pet’s owner recuperated.

	Artesia's Independence Day Celebration Lights of Freedom July 4th -- In Pictures


	Mayor John P. Lyon welcomed visitors to the park and the festivities

Chili Cookoff
A trophy and a plaque await the winners of the Chili cook.	The Fire Dept. won the People’s Choice Awards.	People’s Choice voters tasting the Sheriff’s Dept.’s chili.
A trophy and a plaque await the winners of the Chili cook.	Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (in red) and Mayor John P. Lyon behind her, greet the Fire Dept.’s Chili Cookoff team	Care Ambulance got Third Place

The Artesia-Cerritos Rod & Gun club won the award for the best booth.	Besides chili, the Rod & Gun Club also gave out snowcones. The line for snowcones was this long all day.	Rod & Gun Club receiving their award.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez judges the chili.	The Lakewood Sheriff’s Dept.’s Chili Cook-off team one second place.	Artesia City Councilmember Tony Mendoza judging chili.

Live Music
Christian Simmons’ country band was very popular at the event.	Christian Simmon’s country band.	Dancing to some country music.
	Live music set the mood for Artesia’s Independence Day event.	Artesia resident and businessman Tony 'Mr. Soul' Martins plays drums for BPMAXX.

People

Mayor John P. Lyon welcomes visitors to the park.	Mayor Pro Tem John Martins and Council Member Sally Flowers talk about how much they’re enjoying the festivities.	How cute.
This little girl enjoyed her first fireworks show.	Playing volleyball is always fun on a sunny day.

These youngsters were just hanging out and barbecuing.	This youngster and his hip pink radio.	The Miss Artesia court brightened up the day even more.

A mother and her child.	Tana Gandhi, Miss Artesia Princess, introduces herself.	. . . Had to take a photo of this handsome guy.

Fireworks
A line of fireworks waiting to be set off.	Fireworks are prohibited at the park.	Funny to think these small, fist sized lumps sitting on tubes and crates are actually the grand finale.