SILOAM — Residents attending Saturday’s Siloam Fourth of July celebration spent a busy morning enjoying an array of activities designed for the entire family.

While entries for the morning parade appeared to be down, it was greeted enthusiastically by local residents awaiting its arrival at “The Square.” Watchers then dispersed to a variety of children’s games, live music and concessions.

This marked the celebration’s 13th year, and the Siloam Extension Homemakers have played an important role throughout its history. For its first 25 years, the group served as host of the annual celebration. Five years ago, group members stepped down as hosts but continued long-time traditions of providing desserts for the day and hosting a popular handmade quilt raffle. This year’s raffle was won by 7-month-old Haston Puckett with a ticket purchased by his great-grandmother.

For the past five years, the celebration has been hosted by the Copeland Ruritan Club. The group also sold its popular hot dogs and drinks throughout the event.

Music was provided by the local bluegrass group, The Driving Five, while games were coordinated by Marion Venable.

“I feel it’s important that the children have fun,” Venable said, “and they had a great time. We try to provide an assortment of activities this year we had some new games.”

“Marion does a great job,” Copeland Ruritan Club President Brenda McKinney said, “and our band was wonderful. We all enjoy this as a day to pay tribute to our country’s independence and as a chance to catch up with friends. This provides our community a chance to see friends and neighbors that they don’t get to see that often.”

“I feel it is so important that we continue to celebrate as a community,” Venable noted, “especially in our rural communities. Without that coming together, we can lose our identity as a community. This is a day to celebrate our independence and a day to celebrate Siloam.”