Freedom to chill

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  Near historical downtown Cranfills Gap, families and children delighted in a pop-up inflatable water park sponsored by the Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 4, 2024. The event featured free food and contests for eating watermelon and pies. Nathan Diebenow | Bosque County Record-Tribune

  Near historical downtown Cranfills Gap, families and children delighted in a pop-up inflatable water park sponsored by the Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 4, 2024. The event featured free food and contests for eating watermelon and pies. Nathan Diebenow | Bosque County Record-Tribune
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  Children took full advantage of the water slides in the hot summer temperatures during the Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce's Family Fun Day on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Nathan Diebenow | Bosque County Record-Tribune

  Children took full advantage of the water slides in the hot summer temperatures during the Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce's Family Fun Day on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Nathan Diebenow | Bosque County Record-Tribune
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  The Small Town Perk coffee shop won first place in the Meridian Chamber of Commerce's patriotic decorating contest leading up to 4th of July celebrations. The coffee shop is located at 206 North Main Street in historic downtown Meridian. Courtesy Photo By Meridian Chamber of Commerce

  The Small Town Perk coffee shop won first place in the Meridian Chamber of Commerce's patriotic decorating contest leading up to 4th of July celebrations. The coffee shop is located at 206 North Main Street in historic downtown Meridian. Courtesy Photo By Meridian Chamber of Commerce
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  The new office of the Meridian Economic Development Corporation received honorable mention in the Meridian Chamber of Commerce's patriotic decorating contest leading up to the 4th of July celebrations in Meridian. Courtesy Photo By Meridian Chamber of Commerce

  The new office of the Meridian Economic Development Corporation received honorable mention in the Meridian Chamber of Commerce's patriotic decorating contest leading up to the 4th of July celebrations in Meridian. Courtesy Photo By Meridian Chamber of Commerce

The Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce turned a small section off historic downtown Cranfills Gap into a pop-up water park in celebration of their freedoms on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

The lively Family Fun Day attracted families and visitors alike with delicious grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, exciting activities for children and adults, and community spirit.

Although the traditional 4th of July parade was skipped this year, the event lineup included a variety of engaging contests and games.

The day kicked off with a watermelon-eating contest followed by a pie-eating competition.

However, the centerpiece of the event was a trio of inflatable water slides for children to enjoy while their parents enjoyed the festivities.

Ed Reiser, one of the event organizers, mentioned that the event was meticulously planned to ensure maximum enjoyment for everyone involved.

'It's a nice hot day, and the kids exhaust themselves and go home happy,' he said, highlighting the familyfriendly atmosphere.

Hot dogs and lunch sacks were provided in the afternoon, and the day concluded with a hearty dinner and auctions, making it a full day of community bonding and fundraising.

One of the primary goals of the Family Fun Day was to raise funds to resupply the Chamber's scholarship program. This program had previously awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 to local students.

The Chamber also contributed to the maintenance of local projects, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the town's educational and cultural endeavors.

In a significant development, the Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce recently acquired its 501(c)6 non-profit status.

This designation allows the Chamber to function as a business league, enhancing its ability to support local businesses and community projects through tax-exempt donations and grants.

The newly acquired status is expected to bolster the Chamber’s efforts in driving economic growth and community development.

In the spirit of community development, the Family Fun Day event featured collaborations with local vendors and organizations. Mr. P's Party Rentals provided the setup, and local families like Natalie and Blake Denbow, along with Sandi and Owen Carlson, contributed by making their properties available for the activities.

In addition to the immediate festivities, the Chamber is working on several future projects. Plans are already in motion for the upcoming September Fest, which will feature a parade, and efforts are being made to secure necessary licenses and vendor participation.

As the July 4th celebration event drew to a close, participants reflected on its success.

Ed Reiser noted the positive impact of the Family Fun Day, stating, 'It's worth it for the community. The kids had a great time, and we managed to support some important local causes.'

For more information about the Cranfills Gap Chamber of Commerce, visit its website at gapchamber. org.

Or meet the community at the Chamber's monthly dinner and meeting on the second Wednesday of the month at the Cranfills Gap Community Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. The price is $10 per person.